1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Do the final scores sometimes deceive? That is the question. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by several measures – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star might just be their sole standout, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is wily, experienced, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, move infield and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, two wins, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an 8pm kick-off on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees sat fifth in the table not long ago given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with graft and determination. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He explained the team wanted to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and after three days off, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in these positions, we could be more potent.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is superb.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like an arrival. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he finished from good service boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a string of positive results highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often complain about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they want to keep private. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. Their manager certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Howe was surely right to question 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 penalty could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at drawing contact and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a respected pundit was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He knows the challenge is coming and he braces for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
