1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Can results tell the whole story? One must ask. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. Statistically, they were inferior by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: analysis indicates 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, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star may be their sole standout, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. Unai Emery is shrewd, experienced, streets ahead of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, that was probably because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, 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 managed three league games in a row for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an evening fixture on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable with hard work and perseverance. 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 dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
On Christmas Day the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained the players asked to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, work for those who didn't feature, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. He explained how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, 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 assurance with which he clipped in from good service boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss 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 campaign trajectory appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often complain about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. Their manager certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that costly trend following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Howe was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by the player's history for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a respected pundit was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he braces for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for their manager. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
