1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? One must ask. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, the xG metric painted a different picture: reports suggest United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers may be their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. The Villa manager is crafty, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, move infield and torment him. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games in a row for the maiden instance under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward 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 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 Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger 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 all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, 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. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable with hard work and perseverance. But it is a little early 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
On Christmas Day the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He explained the players asked to enjoy a break after their recent victory but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in the right areas, we could create more.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, the food is superb.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was precisely the reason Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he clipped in from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the image of him leaving immediately, following a rash challenge, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player perform at his best again. Reports suggest Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having quietly moved into the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear tied up with those of their record signing.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. Their manager certainly did not seem too willing to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. 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 Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the leeway informed by the player's history for being expert at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? The take of a former England striker was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; data analysts state – possibly kindly – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
