1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Are match outcomes tell the whole story? One must ask. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by multiple metrics – a lower shot count (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, the xG metric painted a different picture: reports suggest United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star might just be their only star, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. The Villa manager is crafty, seasoned, streets ahead of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, it was likely because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, move infield and exploit the space. Skill and strategy, combining effectively.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games in a row for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. Eight games, only two victories, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to claim three points.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an evening fixture on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton 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 relished a hard-fought three points and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
During the holidays the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said the team wanted to enjoy a break after their latest win but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. He explained how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could create more.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is superb.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he converted from good service boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and a shame for any neutral who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has suffered a broken leg and he could be in for a extended spell 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 bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Howe was surely right to question a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a former England striker was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming and he braces for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
