1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Do the final scores tell the whole story? One must ask. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. Statistically, they were inferior by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, the xG metric painted a different picture: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. The young forward may be their sole standout, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. The Villa manager is crafty, experienced, streets ahead of his counterpart. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, that was probably because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to start wide, cut in and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an evening fixture on the festive weekend but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories 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 exciting options on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
On Christmas Day the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained the players asked to enjoy a break after their latest win but he declined because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is superb.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he clipped in from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the image of him leaving immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a major worry for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has sustained a fractured 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 initial goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
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 squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. Their manager certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely right to question a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by the player's history for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a respected pundit was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he’s ready to go down. But the force and aggression there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
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. “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 only pride at stake beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
