1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Do the final scores sometimes deceive? One must ask. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, statistical models sided with the opposition: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. The young forward could be considered their sole standout, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. Unai Emery is wily, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from a positional error, it was likely because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, drive inside and torment him. Individual brilliance and coaching, in perfect harmony.
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. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. He stated that victories will inevitably be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained the team wanted to have a rest day after their recent victory but he declined because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he finished from a neat pass was highly promising. So the image of him leaving immediately, following a rash challenge, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and a shame for any neutral who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem particularly eager 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 Newcastle’s manager was surely right to question a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the leeway informed by the player's history for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a respected pundit was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he’s ready to go down. But the strength of the challenge there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
