1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Do the final scores be misleading? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, accompanied by the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – a lower shot count (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by collective effort, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward may be their sole standout, but he is performing with festive regularity. Unai Emery is wily, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to start wide, move infield and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They had won three league games in a row for the first time under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – 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). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. 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 8pm kick-off on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem 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 a little early in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained his squad requested to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but he declined because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he clipped in from good service was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for Arne Slot and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent perform at his best again. Reports suggest Isak has suffered a broken leg and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having quietly moved into the top four, putting together a string of positive results highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often complain about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe 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 match officials not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the doubt informed by the player's history for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a respected pundit was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” 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. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
