1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, alongside the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star might just be their only star, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is wily, experienced, streets ahead of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from a defensive lapse, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to start wide, cut in and exploit the space. Talent and management, working together.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They had won three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.
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 opposition box made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
During the holidays the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained the players asked to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but he declined because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. 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 – 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 fleeting moment, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the assurance with which he finished from good service was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken 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 top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their record signing.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often moan about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Howe was surely right to question a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the leeway informed by the player's history for being skilled at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a well-known analyst 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 … it constitutes a foul.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
