1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Can results be misleading? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best 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 by a narrow margin. As usual, statistical models was unimpressed: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa have all three. The young forward might just be their sole standout, but he is performing with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, experienced, streets ahead of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from a defensive lapse, that was probably because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, move infield and cause him problems. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games on the bounce for the first time under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and optimism was growing. But then United returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to secure victories.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that Everton sat fifth in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
On Christmas Day the City manager will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said his squad requested to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in these positions, we could be more potent.” 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 superb.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he converted from good service looked extremely positive. So the image of him leaving immediately, following a rash challenge, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and a shame for any neutral who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Liverpool having snuck up on the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their record signing.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. Their manager certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that unfortunate habit 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 clear obstruction on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by past incidents for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? The take of a well-known analyst was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He knows the challenge is coming and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
