1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward might just be their only star, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is wily, seasoned, five years ahead of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, drive inside and torment him. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games in a row for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to secure victories.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with creative forces absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories will inevitably become bigger 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. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He explained his squad requested to take a day off after their latest win but he declined because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. He explained how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could create more.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to break tight games with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the confidence with which he converted from a neat pass was highly promising. So the image of him leaving immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Liverpool having snuck up on the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their prize asset.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that costly trend following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely correct to highlight 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 altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by the player's history for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? The take of a former England striker was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the force and aggression there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for their manager. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – perhaps generously – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
