1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Can results sometimes deceive? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, statistical models painted a different picture: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. The young forward might just be their primary talisman, but he is performing with festive regularity. The Villa manager is shrewd, experienced, five years ahead of his counterpart. Should Rogers have benefited from a positional error, it was likely because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, drive inside and torment him. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they conceded soft goals. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to secure victories.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was a late Saturday start on the festive weekend but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side occupied a European spot in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season 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 problem should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories will inevitably be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said the team wanted to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed how the side can improve. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he finished from good service was highly promising. So the image of him leaving immediately, following a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for Arne Slot 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 probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having snuck up on the top four, putting together a six-game unbeaten run bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that costly trend following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet Howe was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a former England striker was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he braces for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
