1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Are match outcomes be misleading? That is the question. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. Statistically, they were inferior by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, statistical models sided with the opposition: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers could be considered their primary talisman, but he is performing like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is shrewd, experienced, streets ahead of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, it was likely because the coach had detected that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to start wide, move infield and torment him. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games consecutively for the first time under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six missed opportunities. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival 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 an evening fixture on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton sat fifth in the table recently given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he savoured a deserved win and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins will inevitably become bigger with dedication and persistence. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
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 their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then brief training for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in these positions, we could be more potent.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's a great city, the food is excellent.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, as a turning point. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he converted from a neat pass was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following 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 sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear tied up with those of their record signing.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. Their manager 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 had to settle for a point in. Yet Howe was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a well-known analyst was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. Rather than celebrate, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
