1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Do the final scores sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by solid teamwork, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star might just be their sole standout, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. The Villa manager is wily, experienced, streets ahead of his counterpart. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to begin on the flank, move infield and torment him. Skill and strategy, combining effectively.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under Ruben Amorim. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – 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 – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to claim three points.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality 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 struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with graft and determination. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
Over the festive period the City manager will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said the team wanted to enjoy a break after their latest win but he declined because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then brief training for the next fixture. He explained how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in optimal spots, we could be more potent.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he converted from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the image of him leaving immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having quietly moved into the upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their record signing.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Howe was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a respected pundit was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the force and aggression there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
