1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – a lower shot count (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, statistical models painted a different picture: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star might just be their sole standout, but he is performing as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, seasoned, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, that was probably because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to start wide, drive inside and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under Ruben Amorim. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to claim three points.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was a late Saturday start on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the opposition box made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that Everton occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he savoured a deserved win and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable with hard work and perseverance. 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
Over the festive period the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained the players asked to have a rest day after their latest win but he declined because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, work for those who didn't feature, and after three days off, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. He explained how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – 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 fleeting moment, as a turning point. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he clipped in from a neat pass boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a major worry for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans 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 lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals 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 moan about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. Their manager certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from 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 clear obstruction on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a former England striker was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the strength of the challenge there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
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 came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
