1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Do the final scores be misleading? That is the question. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, the xG metric painted a different picture: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star may be their only star, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is wily, experienced, streets ahead of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, cut in and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, working together.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a routine shutout). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. Eight games, only two victories, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out 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 final third made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played the entire season without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable with dedication and persistence. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He revealed the team wanted to take a day off after their recent victory but he declined because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then brief training for the upcoming match. He explained how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in optimal spots, we could be more potent.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he clipped in from a neat pass boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a rash challenge, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with the Reds having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their record signing.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. Their manager certainly did not seem too willing to mention that problematic pattern 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 correct to highlight a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award 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 earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a former England striker was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the force and aggression there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
