1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Do the final scores sometimes deceive? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. Statistically, they were inferior by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. As usual, statistical models 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 cohesive units, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. The young forward might just be their primary talisman, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is crafty, seasoned, five years ahead of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, move infield and cause him problems. Talent and management, working together.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games in a row for the maiden instance under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. In a run of eight matches, two wins, six missed opportunities. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to win consistently.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an evening fixture on the holiday period but a distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side occupied a European spot in the table not long ago given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with graft and determination. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
Over the festive period the City manager will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He revealed the team wanted to take a day off after their recent victory but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then brief training for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family and champagne. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is superb.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he finished from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and a shame for any neutral who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having quietly moved into the top four, putting together a six-game unbeaten run bookended by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often moan about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing to mention that costly trend following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Howe was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the leeway informed by the player's history for being expert at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a well-known analyst was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he braces for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
