1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Can results tell the whole story? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, the xG metric sided with the opposition: reports suggest United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers may be their only star, but he is performing like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is shrewd, experienced, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, this was almost certainly because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, move infield and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, in perfect harmony.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games in a row for the maiden instance under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and optimism was growing. 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 seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton sat fifth in the table not long ago given they have played the whole campaign without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated that victories will inevitably be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with elite players, 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 overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said the players asked to enjoy a break after their latest win but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. He explained how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is superb.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he clipped in from good service looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a rash challenge, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, 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. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often moan about debatable rulings as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager 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 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 obvious foul on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a well-known analyst was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
