1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Are match outcomes tell the whole story? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by several measures – 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. As usual, statistical models was unimpressed: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, shrewd management and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star might just be their sole standout, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. Unai Emery is shrewd, seasoned, five years ahead of his counterpart. Should Rogers have benefited from a positional error, that was probably because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, drive inside and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. 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 all good ones – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. After 13 months in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was a late Saturday start on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish 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 not long ago given they have played all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories will inevitably be more emphatic 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 talented players on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
During the holidays the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said the team wanted to enjoy a break after their recent victory but he declined because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading 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 and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's highly recommended, the food is top.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was precisely the reason Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he clipped in from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a rash challenge, was a major worry for Arne Slot and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. Reports suggest Isak has suffered a broken leg and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. Eddie Howe 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 the Magpies' boss was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by past incidents for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a respected pundit was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming and he braces for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the nature of the contact there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for their manager. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – possibly kindly – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
