1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Can results tell the whole story? One must ask. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, statistical models painted a different picture: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers might just be their sole standout, but he is performing like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is wily, battle-hardened, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to start wide, drive inside and cause him problems. 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 in a row for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. Eight games, only two victories, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to secure victories.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an evening fixture on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees sat fifth in the table not long ago given they have played all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and a return to the top of the table, the problem should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. He stated that winning margins will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained the players asked to take a day off after their latest win but he declined because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and after three days off, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how the side can improve. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is superb.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he converted from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Slot’s team having quietly moved into the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. Their manager certainly did not seem too willing to mention that costly trend following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely right to question a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a well-known analyst was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for their manager. 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 chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
