Ten Discussion Topics from the Recent Premier League Fixtures
1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Are match outcomes tell the whole story? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, the xG metric was unimpressed: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers might just be their only star, but he is performing like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is crafty, experienced, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to start wide, move infield and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games in a row for the first time under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. Eight games, two wins, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to win consistently.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an 8pm kick-off on the festive weekend but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the opposition box made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
On Christmas Day the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed his squad requested to take a day off after their recent victory but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. He explained how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could be more potent.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family to relax. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is top.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he clipped in from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and a shame for any neutral who would like to see such a gifted player perform at his best again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their prize asset.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The significant tally Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem too willing to mention that costly trend 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 the Magpies' boss was surely right to question a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by the player's history for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a respected pundit was interesting. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for their manager. 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 – maybe optimistically – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly