1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Are match outcomes be misleading? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, the xG metric was unimpressed: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa have all three. The young forward may be their primary talisman, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, experienced, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, that was probably because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, cut in and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They had won three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under their manager. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United went back to black. Eight games, two wins, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was a late Saturday start on the festive weekend but a glaring absence of finesse in the opposition box made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees sat fifth in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the entire season without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories will inevitably be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
During the holidays the City manager will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He explained the team wanted to take a day off after their latest win but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, sessions for the fringe men, and after three days off, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, 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 superb.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, 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 the Dutch coach and a shame for any neutral who would like to see such a gifted player hit full tilt again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often moan about debatable rulings as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that problematic pattern 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 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 doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? Analysis from a well-known analyst was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the nature of the contact there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. 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 – maybe optimistically – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
