1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Can results be misleading? One must ask. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. As usual, the xG metric painted a different picture: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers might just be their only star, but he is performing with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, experienced, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from a positional error, that was probably because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to start wide, move infield and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans rediscovered hope. They managed three league games in a row for the maiden instance under their manager. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a routine shutout). Their keeper provided stability, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and optimism was growing. But then United returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six missed opportunities. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year in England, the coach continues to struggle with 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 distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees sat fifth in the table recently given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated that victories will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
On Christmas Day the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He revealed the team wanted to have a rest day after their latest win but he refused because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, 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, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is top.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he clipped in from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a string of positive results highlighted by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The significant tally Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s inability to hold onto 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 clear obstruction on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a respected pundit was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
