1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Do the final scores sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: reports suggest United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers could be considered their sole standout, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, battle-hardened, five years ahead of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, it was likely because the coach had detected that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, move infield and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games consecutively for the first time under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, two wins, six missed opportunities. In the recent fixture they were superior for large periods without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an evening fixture on the festive weekend but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. He stated that positive results 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 quality substitutes on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
During the holidays Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said the team wanted to have a rest day after their recent victory but he declined because the performance was insufficient. 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 improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is top.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like a statement. This was the very purpose 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 finished from good service looked extremely positive. So the image of him leaving immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player hit full tilt again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Slot’s team having quietly moved into the top four, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear tied up with those of their prize asset.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season is a prime example. Their manager certainly did not seem too willing 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 Newcastle’s manager was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the doubt informed by past incidents for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? Comments by a respected pundit was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle 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 first away win this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
