1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Can results sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, the xG metric was unimpressed: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers might just be their only star, but he is performing as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is crafty, seasoned, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, cut in and exploit the space. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games in a row for the initial occasion under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at home, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, two wins, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was a late Saturday start on the festive weekend but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the opposition box made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that Everton sat fifth in the table not long ago given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained the team wanted to have a rest day after their latest win but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how they can get better. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's a great city, the food is excellent.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he converted from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for Arne Slot and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having snuck up on the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear heavily dependent on those of their record signing.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick 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 expert at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? Comments by a respected pundit was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for their manager. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
