1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Are match outcomes tell the whole story? One must ask. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by several measures – less attempts (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, the xG metric sided with the opposition: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star could be considered their sole standout, but he is performing like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is crafty, experienced, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, cut in and cause him problems. Talent and management, working together.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans rediscovered hope. They managed three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at home, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. Eight games, two wins, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever looking like winning. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to win consistently.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories will inevitably be more emphatic with graft and determination. But it is a little early 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. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
During the holidays the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said the players asked to enjoy a break after their latest win but he declined because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then brief training for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in these positions, we could be more potent.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is top.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he clipped in from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the image of him leaving immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having quietly moved into the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on 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 wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. Eddie Howe 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 ended up drawing. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? Analysis from a respected pundit was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
