1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Can results sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by several measures – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, statistical models painted a different picture: reports suggest United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward could be considered their sole standout, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. Unai Emery is shrewd, experienced, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, move infield and cause him problems. Talent and management, working together.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games in a row for the maiden instance under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. Eight games, only two victories, six missed opportunities. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an evening fixture on the festive weekend but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated that victories will inevitably become bigger with hard work and perseverance. 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 needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
During the holidays the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests 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 he declined because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, sessions for the fringe men, and after three days off, then brief training for the upcoming match. 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 have holidays with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is superb.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was exactly what Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the confidence with which he clipped in from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their record signing.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often moan about debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely correct to highlight 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 12-yard award could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? Comments by a former England striker was interesting. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the nature of the contact there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. 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 beyond dire; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
