1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results tell the whole story? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, the xG metric was unimpressed: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. The young forward could be considered their primary talisman, but he is performing as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is crafty, experienced, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, it was likely because the manager identified that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, move infield and torment him. Talent and management, combining effectively.
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 first time under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an evening fixture on the festive weekend but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. He stated that positive results 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 quality substitutes on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
Over the festive period the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said the team wanted to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, work for those who didn't feature, and after three days off, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. The manager outlined how they can get better. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is top.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he finished from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the image of him leaving immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he probably endures a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Liverpool having snuck up on the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results highlighted by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their record signing.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. Eddie Howe 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 Howe was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the leeway informed by past incidents for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a well-known analyst was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
