1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Do the final scores sometimes deceive? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, the xG metric sided with the opposition: according to data United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star might just be their only star, but he is performing with festive regularity. The Villa manager is shrewd, battle-hardened, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from a positional error, that was probably because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, cut in and cause him problems. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games in a row for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, two wins, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever looking like winning. 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 conceded soft goals. After 13 months in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably become bigger with hard work and perseverance. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed the team wanted to take a day off after their recent victory but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is top.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he converted from good service boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans 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 lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that costly trend following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet the Magpies' boss 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 spot-kick could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? Comments by a respected pundit was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he braces for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; data analysts state – possibly kindly – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
