1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? One must ask. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. Statistically, they were inferior by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, statistical models was unimpressed: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star may be their sole standout, but he is performing like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is wily, seasoned, significantly more advanced of the United boss. If Rogers profited from a defensive lapse, it was likely because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, cut in and torment him. Talent and management, combining effectively.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They had won three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an evening fixture on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees sat fifth in the table not long ago given they have played the whole campaign without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with graft and determination. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
During the holidays the City manager will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said the players asked to enjoy a break after their recent victory but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. He explained how the side can improve. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he finished from good service looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often moan about debatable rulings as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. Their manager certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet Howe was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a well-known analyst was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he braces for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
