1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Can results tell the whole story? That is the question. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, statistical models painted a different picture: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, shrewd management and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star may be their only star, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is shrewd, experienced, five years ahead of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, it was likely because the coach had detected that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, cut in and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were superior for large periods without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an evening fixture on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is astonishing that David Moyes’s side occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories will inevitably become bigger with dedication and persistence. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
On Christmas Day the City manager will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He explained the team wanted to have a rest day after their latest win but he declined because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then brief training 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 the right areas, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, the food is top.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he clipped in from good service looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a major worry for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having snuck up on the top four, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Howe was surely correct to highlight 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 penalty could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a respected pundit was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he braces for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the force and aggression there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. 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 truly alarming; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
