1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Are match outcomes tell the whole story? One must ask. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) painted a different picture: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward may be their only star, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is crafty, experienced, five years ahead of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, it was likely because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to start wide, drive inside and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They had won three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. Eight games, two wins, six games without a win. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees sat fifth in the table recently given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he relished a hard-fought three points and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. He stated that victories will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
Over the festive period the Catalan coach 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 he refused because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, the food is top.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like a statement. This was precisely the reason Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he converted from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a rash challenge, was a major worry for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he could be in for a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their record signing.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often moan about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing to mention that problematic pattern 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 Newcastle’s manager was surely correct to highlight 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 penalty could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? The take of a respected pundit was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming and he braces for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the strength of the challenge there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
