1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Can results tell the whole story? One must ask. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. Statistically, they were inferior by a number of key indicators – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers could be considered their only star, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is crafty, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the manager identified that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to start wide, move infield and torment him. Talent and management, combining effectively.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games in a row for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, two wins, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to claim three points.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an evening fixture on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the opposition box made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is astonishing that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the entire season without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he relished a hard-fought three points and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
On Christmas Day the City manager will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He revealed the team wanted to enjoy a break after their latest win but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. He explained how the side can improve. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in these positions, we could be more potent.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he converted from good service looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a significant blow for Arne Slot 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 likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds 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 campaign trajectory appear heavily dependent on those of their prize asset.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe 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 had to settle for a point in. Yet Howe was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the leeway informed by past incidents for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a former England striker was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
