1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Do the final scores be misleading? That is the question. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, the xG metric was unimpressed: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. The young forward might just be their primary talisman, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. The Villa manager is wily, experienced, streets ahead of his counterpart. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, it was likely because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, cut in and exploit the space. Talent and management, combining effectively.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans rediscovered hope. They managed three league games in a row for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six missed opportunities. In the recent fixture they were the better team 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 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 secure victories.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton sat fifth in the table not long ago given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable with graft and determination. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
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 enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained the players asked to take a day off after their recent victory but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, work for those who didn't feature, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. The manager outlined 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.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is top.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, as a turning point. This was exactly what 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 a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a major worry for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often moan about debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. Their manager certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR 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 altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being skilled at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? Analysis from a well-known analyst was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming and he's ready. I think he’s ready to go down. But the force and aggression there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
