1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Can results tell the whole story? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, the xG metric sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star may be their only star, but he is performing as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is wily, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of the United boss. If Rogers profited from a positional error, it was likely because the coach had detected that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, cut in and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games on the bounce for the first time under Ruben Amorim. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods 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 key players), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to claim three points.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable with hard work and perseverance. 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. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
On Christmas Day the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained the team wanted to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but he declined because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and after three days off, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is excellent.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he clipped in from good service looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and a shame for any neutral who would like to see such a gifted player perform at his best again. Reports suggest Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a extended spell 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 featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear tied up with those of their record signing.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often complain about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem too willing to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely right to question a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? The take of a well-known analyst was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
