1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Can results sometimes deceive? One must ask. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, statistical models sided with the opposition: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by collective effort, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star might just be their sole standout, but he is performing like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is shrewd, battle-hardened, five years ahead of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, that was probably because the manager identified that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, cut in and torment him. Skill and strategy, working together.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – 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). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that Everton sat fifth in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he relished a hard-fought three points and a return to the top of the table, the problem should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably become bigger with hard work and perseverance. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
On Christmas Day the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained his squad requested to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed how the side can improve. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family and champagne. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is top.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he converted from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback 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 campaign trajectory appear tied up with those of their record signing.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The significant tally Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that costly trend following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Howe was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the leeway informed by the player's history for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? Comments by a former England striker was interesting. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the force and aggression there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for their manager. 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 truly alarming; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
