1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Are match outcomes be misleading? One must ask. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, statistical models painted a different picture: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. The young forward may be their only star, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is crafty, battle-hardened, five years ahead of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to start wide, drive inside and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans rediscovered hope. They managed three league games consecutively for the first time under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and optimism was growing. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. After 13 months in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to claim three points.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the entire season without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
During the holidays the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained the players asked to take a day off after their recent victory but he declined because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he finished from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, following a rash challenge, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and a shame for any neutral who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having quietly moved into the upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often moan about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. Their manager certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by the player's history for being expert at drawing contact and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a respected pundit was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the strength of the challenge there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
