1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Do the final scores sometimes deceive? One must ask. Aston Villa's winning streak continued against Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, the xG metric painted a different picture: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward could be considered their only star, but he is performing as a timely gift. Unai Emery is shrewd, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from a positional error, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to start wide, drive inside and torment him. Skill and strategy, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to claim three points.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is astonishing that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the entire season without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories will inevitably grow more comfortable with hard work and perseverance. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
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 revealed the players asked to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then brief training for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family to relax. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is superb.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to break tight games with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he converted from good service boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a string of positive results highlighted by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. Their manager certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely right to question a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a well-known analyst was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
