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 persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by several measures – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, the xG metric was unimpressed: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers could be considered their only star, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is shrewd, experienced, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the manager identified that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, move infield and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, combining effectively.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They had won three league games in a row for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, 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 went back to black. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the final third made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees sat fifth in the table recently given they have played the entire season without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated that victories will inevitably become bigger with hard work and perseverance. But it is somewhat premature 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. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
During the holidays the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He revealed the players asked to take a day off after their latest win but he declined because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to 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. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
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 decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he finished from good service boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes 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 debatable rulings as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. Their manager certainly did not seem overly keen 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 the Magpies' boss was surely right to question a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the leeway informed by past incidents for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a former England striker was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle and he braces for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the force and aggression there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for their manager. Rather than celebrate, 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 nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
