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 nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: reports suggest United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers may be their sole standout, but he is performing like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is shrewd, seasoned, five years ahead of the United boss. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, move infield and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They managed three league games in a row for the initial occasion 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 (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, their forward scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to claim three points.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was a late Saturday start on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the final third made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton sat fifth in the table not long ago 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 deficiency should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories will inevitably grow more comfortable with graft and determination. But it is fairly soon 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. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He revealed the players asked to enjoy a break after their latest win but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed how the side can improve. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” The boss also plans 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 top.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the assurance 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 huge concern for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Liverpool having snuck up on the top four, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their prize asset.
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 numerous points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. Their manager certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet the Magpies' boss 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 the England international. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? Comments by a well-known analyst was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
