1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Do the final scores tell the whole story? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) painted a different picture: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star might just be their only star, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is wily, seasoned, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from a defensive lapse, that was probably because the manager identified that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, move infield and exploit the space. Talent and management, working together.
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 Ruben Amorim. They had risen 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, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. 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 holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the opposition box made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that Everton were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in 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 talented players on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
During the holidays the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said the players asked to enjoy a break after their recent victory but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “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. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, the food is superb.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the confidence with which he converted from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the image of him leaving immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent perform at his best again. Reports suggest Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having snuck up on the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often moan about debatable rulings as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem too willing 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 the Magpies' boss was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a well-known analyst was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he's ready. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the nature of the contact there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
