1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Can results be misleading? It's a valid query. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, the xG metric sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward may be their sole standout, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. Unai Emery is crafty, battle-hardened, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, that was probably because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to start wide, drive inside and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six missed opportunities. In the recent fixture they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. After 13 months in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to secure victories.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an evening fixture on the festive weekend but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table not long ago given they have played all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
Over the festive period the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed the team wanted to take a day off after their latest win but he declined because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. He explained how the side can improve. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is superb.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. 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 calmness with which he converted from good service looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a rash challenge, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Slot’s team having quietly moved into the upper echelons, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes 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 complain about controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. Their manager certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that costly trend following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Howe was surely right to question a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the leeway informed by the player's history for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a former England striker was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he braces for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the force and aggression there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
