1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Can results sometimes deceive? 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 multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, statistical models was unimpressed: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers might just be their primary talisman, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. The Villa manager is shrewd, experienced, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to begin on the flank, drive inside and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, only two victories, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever looking like winning. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve how to claim three points.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was a late Saturday start on the festive weekend but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that Everton were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. Guardiola said the team wanted to have a rest day after their recent victory but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then brief training for the next fixture. 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 create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he clipped in from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a major worry for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg 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 upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear heavily dependent on those of their record signing.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often complain about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by the player's history for being very clever at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? The take of a former England striker was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He's prepared for the impact and he braces for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the nature of the contact there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
