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 continued against Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by solid teamwork, astute coaching and moments of magic – 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 crafty, seasoned, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, it was likely because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, drive inside and cause him problems. Talent and management, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games in a row for the maiden instance under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, their forward line sparked and optimism was growing. But then United returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to influential figures), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an 8pm kick-off on the festive weekend but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the opposition box made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable 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. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He revealed his squad requested to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family for celebrations. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's a great city, the food is top.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he clipped in from a neat pass boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager 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 sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear heavily dependent on those of their record signing.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions 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 seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely right to question a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? Comments by a well-known analyst was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
