1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Can results tell the whole story? It's a valid query. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. As usual, statistical models was unimpressed: reports suggest United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. The young forward might just be their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. The Villa manager is wily, seasoned, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from a positional error, it was likely because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, drive inside and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to influential figures), but they conceded soft goals. After 13 months in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to secure victories.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was a late Saturday start on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable with dedication and persistence. 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 relying on grinding out wins.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
During the holidays Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He revealed the team wanted to enjoy a break after their recent victory but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. He explained how improvements can be made. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could be more potent.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – 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 fleeting moment, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to break tight games with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he finished from a neat pass boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he could be in for a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having quietly moved into the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their prize asset.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that costly trend following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely right to question 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 penalty could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by past incidents for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? The take of a respected pundit was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
