1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Do the final scores be misleading? One must ask. Aston Villa's winning streak continued against Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, the xG metric sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by collective effort, shrewd management and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers might just be their primary talisman, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is wily, battle-hardened, streets ahead of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, it was likely because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to begin on the flank, cut in and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. 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 (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, their forward line sparked and morale was high. 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 looking like winning. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to influential figures), but they conceded soft goals. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees sat fifth in the table recently given they have played the entire season without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he savoured a deserved win and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable with hard work and perseverance. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
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 overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said the team wanted to enjoy a break after their latest win but he declined because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in the right areas, we could create more.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the confidence with which he finished from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured 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 top four, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet Howe was surely justified in criticising 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 swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by the player's history for being expert at drawing contact and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a former England striker was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
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; 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
