1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Do the final scores be misleading? That is the question. 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), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: according to data United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star may be their sole standout, but he is performing as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is wily, seasoned, five years ahead of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to start wide, move infield and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. 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 (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, only two victories, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods 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 influential figures), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an evening fixture on the festive weekend but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish failing to inspire an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he relished a hard-fought three points and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted 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 international stars, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
During the holidays Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He explained the players asked to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but he declined 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. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could be more potent.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family to relax. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is superb.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the confidence with which he finished from good service looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a rash challenge, was a significant blow for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having snuck up on the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Howe was surely right to question a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? The take of a well-known analyst was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
