1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Can results be misleading? That is the question. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. The young forward may be their only star, but he is performing like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is wily, seasoned, five years ahead of the United boss. If Rogers profited from a defensive lapse, it was likely because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to start wide, move infield and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, in perfect harmony.
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 managed three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever looking like winning. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (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. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable 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. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed the players asked to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and after three days off, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. The manager outlined how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, the food is superb.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he clipped in from good service boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and a shame for any neutral who would like to see such a gifted player hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with the Reds having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their record signing.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often complain about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing to mention that costly trend following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. 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 blatant body check on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a respected pundit was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the strength of the challenge there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
