1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Can results be misleading? One must ask. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by several measures – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, statistical models painted a different picture: reports suggest United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers could be considered their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is wily, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to begin on the flank, cut in and torment him. Talent and management, combining effectively.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games in a row for the first time under Ruben Amorim. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival 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 Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the entire season without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. He stated that winning margins will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
Over the festive period the City manager will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said the players asked to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. The manager outlined how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is top.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he converted from good service looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player perform at his best again. Reports suggest Isak has suffered a broken leg and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Slot’s team having snuck up on the top four, putting together a six-game unbeaten run bookended by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season is a prime example. Their manager certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely right to question a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick 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 drawing contact and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a well-known analyst was interesting. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he's ready. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the nature of the contact there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
