1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Can results tell the whole story? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak continued against Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star could be considered their primary talisman, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is crafty, experienced, streets ahead of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to start wide, move infield and torment him. Skill and strategy, working together.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an evening fixture on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees occupied a European spot in the table not long ago given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories will inevitably become bigger with dedication and persistence. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
During the holidays Pep Guardiola 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 latest win but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, sessions for the fringe men, and after three days off, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. He explained how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's a great city, the food is superb.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he converted from a neat pass was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Slot’s team having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects 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 deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The significant tally Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss 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 had to settle for a point in. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely correct to highlight 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 12-yard award could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by the player's history for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a well-known analyst was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the force and aggression there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
