1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Are match outcomes tell the whole story? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, the xG metric was unimpressed: reports suggest United edged it 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 have all three. Morgan Rogers could be considered their only star, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, battle-hardened, five years ahead of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, that was probably because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to begin on the flank, move infield and torment him. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, their forward line sparked and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six missed opportunities. In the recent fixture they were superior for large periods without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to secure victories.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an evening fixture on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. He stated that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic with graft and determination. But it is somewhat premature 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
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. Guardiola said the players asked to enjoy a break after their recent victory but he declined because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – 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 for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is superb.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the assurance with which he converted from good service was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Liverpool having snuck up on the top four, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their record signing.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe 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 ended up drawing. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely right to question 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 spot-kick could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? Analysis from a respected pundit was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he braces for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
