1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? That is the question. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, the xG metric painted a different picture: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers might just be their only star, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is wily, seasoned, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, it was likely because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to start wide, cut in and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games consecutively for the first time under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and optimism was growing. But then United returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to claim three points.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an evening fixture on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was expected with creative forces absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable with graft and determination. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
Over the festive period the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained the team wanted to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then brief training for the upcoming match. He explained how improvements can be made. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”
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 the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he converted from good service was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player perform at his best again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their prize asset.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem overly keen 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 the Magpies' boss was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the leeway informed by the player's history for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a well-known analyst was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. 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 beyond dire; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
