1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results be misleading? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, statistical models sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star could be considered their sole standout, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. Unai Emery is wily, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from a defensive lapse, this was almost certainly because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, move infield and cause him problems. 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 felt optimism return. They managed three league games in a row for the initial occasion under their manager. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to secure victories.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with key attackers absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees occupied a European spot in the table recently given they have played all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their ambitions for the Premier League. He stated that winning margins will inevitably become bigger with hard work and perseverance. But it is fairly soon 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 Strict Festive Regime for Champions
Over the festive period the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained his squad requested to take a day off after their latest win but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. He explained how the side can improve. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in the right areas, we could create more.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is superb.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was exactly what Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he finished from a neat pass was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has suffered a broken leg and he could be in for a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their record signing.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem too willing to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet Howe was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? Comments by a former England striker was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He's prepared for the impact and he braces for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the force and aggression there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; data analysts state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
