1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Do the final scores be misleading? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak continued against Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, statistical models painted a different picture: reports suggest United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star may be their sole standout, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is wily, experienced, significantly more advanced of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, drive inside and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games consecutively for the first time under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, two wins, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was a late Saturday start on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the opposition box made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish failing to inspire an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins will inevitably become bigger with hard work and perseverance. 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 Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He explained his squad requested to have a rest day after their recent victory but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and after three days off, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also 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 excellent.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was precisely the reason Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he finished from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. Reports suggest Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with the Reds having snuck up on the top four, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their prize asset.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often moan about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that costly trend following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. 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 Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? Analysis from a respected pundit was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the force and aggression 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 spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; data analysts state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
