1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Can results sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: reports suggest 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 solid teamwork, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star might just be their primary talisman, but he is performing with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, experienced, five years ahead of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, that was probably because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, move infield and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games in a row for the first time under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. 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 noticeable shortage of fluency in the final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories 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 world-class talents, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
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 overdone the festive fare. He revealed the team wanted to have a rest day after their latest win but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in these positions, we could create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. I'll visit Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is top.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he converted from good service boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a major worry for Arne Slot and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their record signing.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. Their manager certainly did not seem too willing to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s collapse from 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 match officials not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes going down too easily? Analysis from a former England striker was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming and he's ready. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; data analysts state – possibly kindly – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
