1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Can results be misleading? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, statistical models sided with the opposition: 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 possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers may be their primary talisman, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. The Villa manager is wily, seasoned, streets ahead of his counterpart. Should Rogers have benefited from a positional error, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, move infield and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, in perfect harmony.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games consecutively for the first time under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a routine shutout). Their keeper provided stability, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to secure victories.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was a late Saturday start on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the deficiency should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable with dedication and persistence. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
During the holidays Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He revealed the team wanted to enjoy a break after their latest win but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then brief training for the next fixture. He explained how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is superb.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he finished from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player hit full tilt again. Reports suggest Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he could be in for a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The 13 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 unfortunate habit following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely right to question a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by past incidents for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? Comments by a respected pundit 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 ready to go down. But the force and aggression there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
