1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Do the final scores tell the whole story? It's a valid query. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. Statistically, they were inferior by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. As usual, the xG metric painted a different picture: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers may be their sole standout, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, battle-hardened, streets ahead of his counterpart. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, move infield and cause him problems. Talent and management, combining effectively.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games on the bounce for the first time under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to claim three points.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an evening fixture on the holiday period but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with creative forces absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees sat fifth in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he savoured a deserved win and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed 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 international stars, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained the team wanted to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then brief training for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's a great city, the food is top.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, as a turning point. This was the very purpose 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 a neat pass was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having snuck up on the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their record signing.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. Their manager 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 eventually tied. Yet Howe was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the referee 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 changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at drawing contact and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a respected pundit was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; data analysts state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
