1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Can results sometimes deceive? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak 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), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers could be considered their only star, but he is performing with festive regularity. Unai Emery is wily, experienced, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from a defensive lapse, it was likely because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to start wide, move infield and cause him problems. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a routine shutout). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was a late Saturday start on the festive weekend but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he relished a hard-fought three points and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted 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 world-class talents, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
On Christmas Day the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said his squad requested to enjoy a break after their recent victory but he declined because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. 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 these positions, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to 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. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he clipped in from good service was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often moan about debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. Their manager certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s inability to hold onto 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 opposing player the leeway informed by past incidents for being very clever at drawing contact and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a well-known analyst was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he's ready. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
