1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Are match outcomes tell the whole story? One must ask. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers might just be their sole standout, but he is performing as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is crafty, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from a positional error, this was almost certainly because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, move infield and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games consecutively for the first time under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). The goalkeeper was reassuring, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six missed opportunities. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they conceded soft goals. Since his arrival in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to claim three points.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with creative forces absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that Everton 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 enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably become bigger with dedication and persistence. But it is somewhat premature 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
On Christmas Day the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He revealed his squad requested to take a day off after their recent victory but he declined because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then brief training for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family to relax. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is top.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was precisely the reason Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the confidence with which he converted from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for the Liverpool manager and a shame for any neutral who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear tied up with those of their prize asset.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that costly trend following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. 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 their winger. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by the player's history for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a former England striker was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; data analysts state – possibly kindly – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
