1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Do the final scores tell the whole story? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by multiple metrics – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, the xG metric sided with the opposition: according to data United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward might just be their sole standout, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. The Villa manager is shrewd, experienced, streets ahead of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from a positional error, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, cut in and torment him. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They had won three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year 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 noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with key attackers absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that Everton were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. He stated that victories will inevitably be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
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 revealed his squad requested to enjoy a break after their recent victory but he declined because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in these positions, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. A trip to Barcelona is planned – 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 brief instant, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the confidence with which he finished from a neat pass boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see such a gifted player perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Slot’s team having snuck up on the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their record signing.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season seems a case in point. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem too willing to mention that costly trend 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 the Magpies' boss 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 spot-kick could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by the player's history for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a well-known analyst was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
