Ten Discussion Topics from the Recent Premier League Fixtures
1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Can results sometimes deceive? One must ask. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by several measures – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, expected goals (xG) painted a different picture: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers may be their primary talisman, but he is performing with festive regularity. Unai Emery is wily, battle-hardened, five years ahead of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from a positional error, it was likely because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to start wide, cut in and torment him. Skill and strategy, working together.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They managed three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six missed opportunities. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to claim three points.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is surprising that Everton occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the entire season without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins will inevitably become bigger with dedication and persistence. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
On Christmas Day the City manager will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained the team wanted to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then brief training for the next fixture. The manager outlined how the side can improve. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is excellent.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he clipped in from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and a shame for any neutral who would like to see such a gifted player perform at his best again. There are fears 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 upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely justified in criticising 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 Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a respected pundit was interesting. “He sees the challenge coming,” 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. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. 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; Opta state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly