1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Can results be misleading? One must ask. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, the xG metric painted a different picture: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. The young forward could be considered their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. Unai Emery is crafty, experienced, significantly more advanced of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to start wide, cut in and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, in perfect harmony.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games in a row for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. In a run of eight matches, two wins, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were superior for large periods without ever looking like winning. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the final third made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that Everton occupied a European spot in the table not long ago given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably become bigger with hard work and perseverance. 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 relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
On Christmas Day the City manager will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained the players asked to have a rest day after their latest win but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, work for those who didn't feature, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. He explained how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, 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. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he converted from good service looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Slot’s team having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their record signing.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem too willing to mention that costly trend following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet Howe was surely right to question a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on the England international. 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 expert at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? Comments by a respected pundit was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “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 … it constitutes a foul.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – perhaps generously – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
