1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Do the final scores sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak continued against Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, the xG metric was unimpressed: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star may be their only star, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is shrewd, battle-hardened, five years ahead of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, that was probably because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to start wide, cut in and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games consecutively for the first time under the Portuguese coach. They ascended 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 routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six missed opportunities. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was a late Saturday start on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees occupied a European spot 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 flaw should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably become bigger 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 exciting options on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
On Christmas Day the City manager will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said his squad requested to have a rest day after their latest win but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – 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 for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
The Swedish striker's finish 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 assurance with which he converted from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a rash challenge, was a significant blow for the Dutch coach and a shame for any neutral who would like to see such a gifted player hit full tilt again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury 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 featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often moan about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a well-known analyst was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the force and aggression there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
