1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Do the final scores sometimes deceive? One must ask. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by several measures – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, statistical models sided with the opposition: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers might just be their only star, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is shrewd, battle-hardened, five years ahead of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from a positional error, that was probably because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, move infield and torment him. Skill and strategy, working together.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They had won three league games in a row for the first time under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). Their keeper provided stability, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and optimism was growing. But then United returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve how to claim three points.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an 8pm kick-off on the festive weekend but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the opposition box made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier 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 become bigger with graft and determination. 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 relying on grinding out wins.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
On Christmas Day the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained the team wanted to take a day off after their latest win but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. He explained how improvements can be made. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in these positions, we could create more.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the assurance with which he clipped in from good service looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem particularly eager 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 Howe was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by past incidents for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a former England striker was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he’s ready to go down. But the force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
