1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Can results be misleading? That is the question. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: reports suggest United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star may be their only star, but he is performing with festive regularity. Unai Emery is wily, battle-hardened, five years ahead of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, it was likely because the coach had detected that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, move infield and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games in a row for the first time under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. Eight games, only two victories, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to influential figures), but they conceded soft goals. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to claim three points.
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 sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the entire season without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable with hard work and perseverance. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
During the holidays the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He explained his squad requested to take a day off after their recent victory but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, work for those who didn't feature, and after three days off, then brief training for the next fixture. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in the right areas, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family to relax. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is superb.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he converted from a neat pass boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow 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 picked up a serious leg injury and he likely faces a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having snuck up on the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their record signing.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often moan about debatable rulings as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely right to question a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR 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 changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by past incidents for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a respected pundit was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he braces for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
