1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – a lower shot count (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. As usual, the xG metric sided with the opposition: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star may be their only star, but he is performing like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is shrewd, experienced, five years ahead of the United boss. 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 begin on the flank, move infield and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Back in October after defeating 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 the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they conceded soft goals. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve how to claim three points.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the opposition box made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. He stated that winning margins 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 elite players, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
Over the festive period the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He explained the team wanted to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, work for those who didn't feature, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is superb.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Alexander Isak’s goal 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 intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he clipped in from good service boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear tied up with those of their prize asset.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often moan about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. 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 ended up drawing. Yet Howe was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a former England striker was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
