1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Are match outcomes be misleading? One must ask. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, the xG metric sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star may be their only star, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. The Villa manager is wily, battle-hardened, five years ahead of the United boss. If Rogers profited from a defensive lapse, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to start wide, cut in and cause him problems. Talent and management, combining effectively.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games in a row for the first time under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a routine shutout). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored an excellent finish, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve how to claim three points.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an evening fixture on the festive weekend but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that David Moyes’s side occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the entire season without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said the team wanted to have a rest day after their latest win but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how they can get better. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could create more.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is top.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he finished from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he could be in for a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having snuck up on the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their record signing.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often moan about debatable rulings as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Howe 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 changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a well-known analyst was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he braces for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
