1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Do the final scores sometimes deceive? One must ask. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star could be considered their sole standout, but he is performing as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is crafty, seasoned, streets ahead of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, move infield and exploit the space. Skill and strategy, combining effectively.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, two wins, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa 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 unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
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 was predictable with creative forces absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and a return to the top of the table, the problem should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories will inevitably grow more comfortable with graft and determination. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
During the holidays the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said the players asked to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family for celebrations. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's highly recommended, the food is top.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he converted from a neat pass was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent perform at his best again. Reports suggest Isak has suffered a broken leg and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with the Reds having snuck up on the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. Their manager certainly did not seem particularly eager 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 Newcastle’s manager was surely correct to highlight 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 spot-kick could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the leeway informed by past incidents for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? Analysis from a former England striker was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming and he braces for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, 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 – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
