1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Can results be misleading? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by several measures – fewer shots (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, the xG metric painted a different picture: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by solid teamwork, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. The young forward could be considered their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. The Villa manager is shrewd, seasoned, streets ahead of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to start wide, move infield and torment him. Skill and strategy, working together.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They had won three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, two wins, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an evening fixture on the festive weekend but a glaring absence of finesse in the opposition box made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees sat fifth in the table not long ago given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable with graft and determination. But it is somewhat premature 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 the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed the players asked 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 post-holiday, then brief training 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 and champagne. I'll visit Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is top.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he converted from good service was highly promising. So the image of him leaving immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a major worry for Arne Slot and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he could be in for a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having snuck up on the top four, putting together a six-game unbeaten run bookended by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often moan about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that costly trend following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Howe was surely right to question 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 past incidents for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a former England striker was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he braces for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the force and aggression there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond professionalism. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
