1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Can results tell the whole story? One must ask. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – a lower shot count (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, statistical models painted a different picture: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers could be considered their sole standout, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is crafty, seasoned, five years ahead of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, move infield and torment him. Skill and strategy, working together.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games in a row for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, only two victories, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. 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 holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the entire season without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable with dedication and persistence. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
On Christmas Day the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He revealed the players asked to have a rest day after their recent victory but he refused because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. He explained how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in optimal spots, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he converted from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having quietly moved into the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often moan about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Howe was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a former England striker was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the force and aggression there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
