1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? That is the question. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star may be their sole standout, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is wily, experienced, significantly more advanced of the United boss. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to start wide, drive inside and exploit the space. Talent and management, working together.
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 on the bounce for the first time under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to influential figures), but they conceded soft goals. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an evening fixture on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with key attackers absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that Everton sat fifth in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated that winning margins will inevitably become bigger with dedication and persistence. 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 relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said the players asked to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how they can get better. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, as a turning point. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he converted from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a reckless attempt, 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 picked up a serious leg injury and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having snuck up on the upper echelons, 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 record signing.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at drawing contact and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a former England striker was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he’s ready to go down. But the strength of the challenge there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
