1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Do the final scores sometimes deceive? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, the xG metric sided with the opposition: reports suggest United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star could be considered their primary talisman, but he is performing with festive regularity. Unai Emery is shrewd, experienced, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from a defensive lapse, it was likely because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, cut in and exploit the space. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games in a row for the maiden instance under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an evening fixture on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees occupied a European spot in the table not long ago given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
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 players asked to take a day off after their latest win but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in the right areas, we could create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is excellent.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, as a turning point. This was the very purpose Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he converted from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the image of him leaving immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having snuck up on the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their prize asset.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem too willing to mention that costly trend following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Howe was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by the player's history for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a respected pundit was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
