1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Can results sometimes deceive? That is the question. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, statistical models was unimpressed: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, shrewd management and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward may be their only star, but he is performing like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is crafty, seasoned, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, that was probably because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to start wide, cut in and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games in a row for the initial occasion under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. After 13 months 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 an 8pm kick-off on the festive weekend but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side occupied a European spot in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories will inevitably grow more comfortable with graft and determination. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
During the holidays Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained the players asked to enjoy a break after their latest win but he refused because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then brief training for the next fixture. He explained how they can get better. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family to relax. I'm going to 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 fleeting moment, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he finished from good service looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player hit full tilt again. There are fears Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear tied up with those of their prize asset.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often moan about debatable rulings as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they want to keep private. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. Their manager certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that problematic pattern 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 Newcastle’s manager was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check 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 doubt informed by the player's history for being expert at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a former England striker was interesting. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
