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, but so did the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, statistical models was unimpressed: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star might just be their primary talisman, but he is performing with festive regularity. The Villa manager is crafty, experienced, five years ahead of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from a defensive lapse, that was probably because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, move infield and torment him. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees sat fifth in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign 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. Arteta insisted that winning margins will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He revealed the players asked to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but he declined because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, 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 – I recommend it, the food is top.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he converted from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Slot’s team having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The significant tally Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem too willing to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on the England international. 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 winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a respected pundit was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled relief for their manager. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
