1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Do the final scores tell the whole story? One must ask. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, statistical models was unimpressed: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star could be considered their sole standout, but he is performing like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is crafty, experienced, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from a positional error, that was probably because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, move infield and exploit the space. Talent and management, working together.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They managed three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). The goalkeeper was reassuring, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United went back to black. Eight games, two wins, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to claim three points.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was a late Saturday start on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
During the holidays the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. Guardiola said his squad requested to enjoy a break after their latest win but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how the side can improve. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family and champagne. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is top.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he clipped in from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player hit full tilt again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that costly trend 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 on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? Analysis from a former England striker was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
