1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Do the final scores sometimes deceive? One must ask. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by several measures – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: reports suggest United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers might just be their sole standout, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is crafty, seasoned, five years ahead of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, that was probably because the manager identified that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, drive inside and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, in perfect harmony.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under their manager. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to secure victories.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an evening fixture on the festive weekend but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem 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 international stars, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
Over the festive period the City manager will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained the team wanted to take a day off after their recent victory but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, sessions for the fringe men, and after three days off, then 48 hours of preparation for the Nottingham Forest game. He explained how the side can improve. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in these positions, we could create more.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is top.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the assurance with which he clipped in from a neat pass boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having snuck up on the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often complain about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The significant tally Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing to mention that costly trend following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. 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 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 winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a well-known analyst was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He knows the challenge is coming and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
