1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Do the final scores sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, the xG metric sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers might just be their only star, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, battle-hardened, five years ahead of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to start wide, drive inside and exploit the space. Talent and management, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games on the bounce for the first time under their manager. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), 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, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to secure victories.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an 8pm kick-off on the festive weekend but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and a return to the top of the table, the problem should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. 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
On Christmas Day the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said the team wanted to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. He explained how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in the right areas, we could create more.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is superb.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he converted from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a rash challenge, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. Their manager certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Newcastle’s manager 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 opposing player the leeway informed by the player's history for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a well-known analyst was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the force and aggression there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
