1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Are match outcomes tell the whole story? It's a valid query. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by a number of key indicators – a lower shot count (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) painted a different picture: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, shrewd management and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers may be their primary talisman, but he is performing as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is wily, experienced, streets ahead of his counterpart. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, move infield and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They managed three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and optimism was growing. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to secure victories.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees sat fifth in the table not long ago given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories will inevitably grow more comfortable with hard work and perseverance. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
During the holidays the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained his squad requested to take a day off after their latest win but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then brief training for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, 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 a great city, the food is superb.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like a statement. This was precisely the reason Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he converted from a neat pass boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and a shame for any neutral who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds 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 campaign trajectory appear tied up with those of their prize asset.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often complain about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that unfortunate habit 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 right to question a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on the England international. 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 the player's history for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? The take of a former England striker was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He knows the challenge is coming and he's ready. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
