1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Are match outcomes be misleading? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, expected goals (xG) painted a different picture: reports suggest United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. The young forward may be their only star, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is crafty, experienced, significantly more advanced of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to start wide, move infield and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, working together.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
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 Ruben Amorim. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, two wins, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to secure victories.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with key attackers absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable 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 needing to win ugly.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said the team wanted to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, 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, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the confidence with which he converted from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a reckless attempt, was a major worry for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Slot’s team having snuck up on the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their prize asset.
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 significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem too willing to mention that costly trend following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a respected pundit was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He's prepared for the impact and he's ready. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
