1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Can results tell the whole story? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. 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), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. As usual, the xG metric sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star may be their primary talisman, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. Unai Emery is crafty, seasoned, streets ahead of the United boss. If Rogers profited from a defensive lapse, that was probably because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to start wide, cut in and torment him. Talent and management, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They managed three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, two wins, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces 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 whole campaign without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories will inevitably be more emphatic with graft and determination. But it is a little early 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. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
On Christmas Day the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained the players asked to take a day off after their recent victory but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then brief training for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in the right areas, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family to relax. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the confidence with which he finished from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with the Reds having snuck up on the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their record signing.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often moan about debatable rulings as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally 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 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 Newcastle’s manager was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by the player's history for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a former England striker was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “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. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
