1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, statistical models sided with the opposition: according to data United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star might just be their only star, but he is performing like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is crafty, experienced, streets ahead of the United boss. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because the coach had detected that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, move infield and torment him. Skill and strategy, combining effectively.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games consecutively for the first time under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. Eight games, two wins, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they conceded soft goals. Since his arrival 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 Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees sat fifth in the table not long ago given they have played all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably become bigger with dedication and persistence. But it is a little early 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 Strict Festive Regime for Champions
During the holidays the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He revealed the team wanted to enjoy a break after their recent victory but he refused because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then brief training 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 the right areas, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, the food is top.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he clipped in from good service looked extremely positive. So the image of him leaving immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a major worry for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their record signing.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. 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 obvious foul on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? Comments by a former England striker was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
