1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Do the final scores sometimes deceive? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak continued against Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – a lower shot count (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. As usual, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star could be considered their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is wily, experienced, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to start wide, move infield and cause him problems. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games on the bounce for the first time under Ruben Amorim. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, against a promoted club, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to secure victories.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees sat fifth in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the entire season without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
Over the festive period the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained his squad requested to enjoy a break after their recent victory but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and after three days off, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. He explained how the side can improve. “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.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is excellent.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he clipped in from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run bookended by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear tied up with those of their record signing.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often moan about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by the player's history for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? 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 braces for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
