1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results sometimes deceive? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak continued against Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, statistical models painted a different picture: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. The young forward may be their sole standout, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is crafty, battle-hardened, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to start wide, move infield and exploit the space. Talent and management, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games in a row for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. Eight games, only two victories, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to claim three points.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable with hard work and perseverance. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
During the holidays the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. Guardiola said the team wanted to take a day off after their latest win but he declined because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then brief training for the next fixture. The manager outlined how the side can improve. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. I'll visit Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is top.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he clipped in from good service was highly promising. So the image of him leaving immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Liverpool having quietly moved into the top four, putting together a string of positive results highlighted by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The significant tally Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that costly trend following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely right to question a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a former England striker was interesting. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the nature of the contact there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
