1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Can results tell the whole story? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. As usual, the xG metric was unimpressed: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers might just be their sole standout, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. The Villa manager is shrewd, experienced, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, it was likely because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to start wide, drive inside and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was a late Saturday start on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton sat fifth 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 savoured a deserved win and reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. He stated that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
Over the festive period 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 have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and after three days off, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how the side can improve. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the assurance with which he finished from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a rash challenge, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having quietly moved into the upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run bookended by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their record signing.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s failure to protect 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 on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by past incidents for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a former England striker was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “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. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
