1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Are match outcomes tell the whole story? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. 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). As usual, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, statistical models painted a different picture: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers might just be their sole standout, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is wily, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the manager identified that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, cut in and torment him. Talent and management, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games consecutively for the first time under Ruben Amorim. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, their forward line sparked and optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. Eight games, two wins, six missed opportunities. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.
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 came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton sat fifth in the table recently given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated that victories will inevitably become bigger with dedication and persistence. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
During the holidays the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed his squad requested to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed how the side can improve. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, we could create more.” 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 highly recommended, the food is excellent.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he finished from a neat pass was highly promising. So the image of him leaving immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent perform at his best again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having snuck up on the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their record signing.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing to mention that costly trend following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? Comments by a respected pundit was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he’s ready to go down. 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 Keith Andrews. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – perhaps generously – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
