1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? One must ask. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – a lower shot count (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, the xG metric painted a different picture: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers might just be their only star, but he is performing as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is wily, seasoned, streets ahead of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to start wide, cut in and torment him. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They managed three league games in a row for the first time under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to secure victories.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an evening fixture on the festive weekend but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was expected with creative forces absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories will inevitably grow more comfortable with dedication and persistence. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola 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 latest win but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. He explained how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in these positions, we could create more.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family and champagne. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is top.”
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 unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he clipped in from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a six-game unbeaten run bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss 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 Howe 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 spot-kick could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the leeway informed by past incidents for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a former England striker was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he braces for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
