1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Can results be misleading? One must ask. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by multiple metrics – a lower shot count (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, the xG metric sided with the opposition: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, shrewd management and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers may be their sole standout, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. Unai Emery is shrewd, battle-hardened, five years ahead of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, it was likely because the manager identified that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, drive inside and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, only two victories, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever looking like winning. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the opposition box made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton sat fifth in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the entire season without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins will inevitably become bigger with hard work and perseverance. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
On Christmas Day the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He revealed his squad requested to take a day off after their latest win but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. He explained how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is excellent.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, as a turning point. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he clipped in from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and a shame for any neutral 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 snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. Their manager 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 eventually tied. Yet Howe 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 the England international. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a respected pundit was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. 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 maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
