1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Do the final scores tell the whole story? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. Statistically, they were inferior by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: 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, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers may be their primary talisman, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. Unai Emery is wily, experienced, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, that was probably because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to start wide, move infield and exploit the space. Skill and strategy, combining effectively.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games on the bounce for the first time under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was a late Saturday start on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that Everton were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played the entire season without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. He stated that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic with graft and determination. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
Over the festive period the City manager will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed the players asked to have a rest day after their recent victory but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how they can get better. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is top.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he converted from good service boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a major worry for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having quietly moved into the upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The significant tally Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Howe was surely right to question a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction 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 Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a respected pundit was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He knows the challenge is coming and he's ready. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
