1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Do the final scores sometimes deceive? One must ask. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – a lower shot count (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, statistical models sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star could be considered their only star, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is wily, experienced, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from a defensive lapse, it was likely because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, drive inside and torment him. Individual brilliance and coaching, in perfect harmony.
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 Ruben Amorim. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to secure victories.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish failing to inspire an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table recently given they have played the entire season without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable with hard work and perseverance. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed his squad requested to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. The manager outlined 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 have holidays with the family for celebrations. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he converted from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the image of him leaving immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Slot’s team having quietly moved into the top four, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their prize asset.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that costly trend following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR 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 defender the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? Comments by a former England striker was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact 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. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for their manager. Rather than celebrate, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
