1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by several measures – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, expected goals (xG) painted a different picture: 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, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers may be their primary talisman, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. Unai Emery is crafty, battle-hardened, streets ahead of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from a positional error, that was probably because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to start wide, drive inside and exploit the space. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games consecutively for the initial occasion 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, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha 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 gave away cheap scores. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that Everton occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated 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 dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
Over the festive period the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He explained the team wanted to take a day off after their recent victory but he declined because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then brief training for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how the side can improve. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family for celebrations. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like an arrival. This was exactly what Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he finished from good service boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Slot’s team having quietly moved into the top four, putting together a six-game unbeaten run bookended by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often moan about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The significant tally Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet Howe was surely right to question a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the leeway informed by the player's history for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a respected pundit was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He's prepared for the impact and he's ready. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
