1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Do the final scores sometimes deceive? One must ask. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star may be their primary talisman, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. Unai Emery is crafty, experienced, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from a positional error, that was probably because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to start wide, drive inside and exploit the space. Skill and strategy, combining effectively.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – 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). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six games without a win. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they conceded soft goals. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to claim three points.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a sobering evening. 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 surprising that the Toffees sat fifth in the table recently given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he relished a hard-fought three points and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. 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
During the holidays Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. Guardiola said the players asked to enjoy a break after their recent victory but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. He explained how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in optimal spots, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's highly recommended, 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 the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he clipped in from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the image of him leaving immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having quietly moved into the upper echelons, putting together a string of positive results highlighted by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their prize asset.
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 seems a case in point. Their manager certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that problematic pattern 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 Howe was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on the England international. 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 earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a former England striker was interesting. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he braces for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
