1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Can results sometimes deceive? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, the xG metric painted a different picture: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa have all three. The young forward may be their sole standout, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is crafty, battle-hardened, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to start wide, cut in and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans felt optimism return. They had won three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, two wins, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an evening fixture on the holiday period but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton sat fifth in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably become bigger with dedication and persistence. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
On Christmas Day the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained the players asked to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, we could be more potent.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, the food is superb.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he clipped in from good service boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having quietly moved into the top four, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their record signing.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often complain about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that costly trend 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 right to question a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a respected pundit was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the nature of the contact there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were 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 honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
