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 was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by several measures – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, the xG metric was unimpressed: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star might just be their only star, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is crafty, battle-hardened, streets ahead of the United boss. If Rogers profited from a positional error, that was probably because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, drive inside and cause him problems. Talent and management, combining effectively.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) 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 returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, the coach continues to struggle with 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 opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and a return to the top of the table, the problem should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable with dedication and persistence. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
During the holidays the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He explained the team wanted to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. He explained how they can get better. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – 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 excellent.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he clipped in from a neat pass boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he likely faces a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results highlighted by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their record signing.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that costly trend following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by the player's history for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? Analysis from a respected pundit was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
