1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Do the final scores be misleading? That is the question. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – a lower shot count (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: according to data United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by collective effort, shrewd management and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star could be considered their only star, but he is performing like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is crafty, experienced, streets ahead of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from a positional error, it was likely because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to start wide, move infield and exploit the space. Skill and strategy, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They had won three league games on the bounce for the first time under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. In a run of eight matches, two wins, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. After 13 months in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an evening fixture on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is surprising that Everton were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. He stated that victories will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
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 overdone the festive fare. He explained his squad requested to enjoy a break after their recent victory but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he finished from good service was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. There are fears Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having quietly moved into the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their record signing.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often complain about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. Their manager certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that costly trend following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet Howe was surely right to question a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the doubt informed by past incidents for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? Analysis from a respected pundit was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the force and aggression there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; data analysts state – possibly kindly – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
