1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Do the final scores sometimes deceive? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak continued against Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by several measures – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, expected goals (xG) painted a different picture: according to data United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa have all three. The young forward could be considered their only star, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. Unai Emery is crafty, battle-hardened, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from a positional error, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted 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. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under their manager. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the opposition box made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees occupied a European spot in the table not long ago given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories will inevitably become bigger with dedication and persistence. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
Over the festive period the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He explained the players asked to enjoy a break after their recent victory but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and after three days off, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is top.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, as a turning point. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the assurance with which he finished from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and a shame for any neutral who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he likely faces a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often moan about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. Their manager certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that problematic pattern 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 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 clear obstruction on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by past incidents for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a respected pundit was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he braces 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 maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for their manager. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
