1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Do the final scores tell the whole story? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: according to data United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa have all three. The young forward may be their only star, but he is performing as a timely gift. Unai Emery is shrewd, seasoned, streets ahead of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from a positional error, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to start wide, cut in and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. Eight games, two wins, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. 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 an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees sat fifth in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
On Christmas Day the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said the players asked to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then brief training for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in optimal spots, we could be more potent.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. I'm going to Barcelona – 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, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the assurance with which he clipped in from a neat pass boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player perform at his best again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he likely faces a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Slot’s team having snuck up on the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. Their manager certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that costly trend following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. 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 penalty could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes going down too easily? Analysis from a former England striker was interesting. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled relief 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; Opta state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
