1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Do the final scores be misleading? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak continued against Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. Statistically, they were inferior by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, the xG metric was unimpressed: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers could be considered their only star, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. Unai Emery is shrewd, experienced, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, this was almost certainly because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, cut in and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to influential figures), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to secure victories.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an evening fixture on the festive weekend but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the final third 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 by himself. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table recently given they have played all term without a proven goalscorer. 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 of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories will inevitably become bigger with dedication and persistence. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
On Christmas Day the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He revealed the team wanted to have a rest day after their recent victory but he declined because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is excellent.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, as a turning point. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he clipped in from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a rash challenge, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and a shame for any neutral who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he could be in for a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Slot’s team having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run bookended by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their record signing.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. Their manager certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that costly trend 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 the Magpies' boss was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being expert at drawing contact and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a former England striker was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled relief for their manager. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
