1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Can results sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star might just be their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is wily, experienced, streets ahead of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to start wide, drive inside and exploit the space. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans rediscovered hope. They managed three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. Eight games, two wins, six missed opportunities. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward 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. Since his arrival in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to win consistently.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
Over the festive period the City manager will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. Guardiola said the players asked to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then brief training for the upcoming match. He explained how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in these positions, we could create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family to relax. 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 fleeting moment, as a turning point. 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 assurance with which he clipped in from a neat pass boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for Arne Slot and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Liverpool having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet Howe was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul 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 leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a former England striker was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the nature of the contact there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
