1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Do the final scores tell the whole story? It's a valid query. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, statistical models sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. The young forward might just be their sole standout, but he is performing like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is crafty, battle-hardened, streets ahead of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, this was almost certainly because the coach had detected that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, drive inside and cause him problems. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games in a row for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to win consistently.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with key attackers absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and a return to the top of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories will inevitably grow more comfortable with graft and determination. But it is somewhat premature 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. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
On Christmas Day the City manager will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained the team wanted to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. He explained how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is top.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he clipped in from a neat pass boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. Reports suggest Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear tied up with those of their record signing.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. 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 Howe was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction 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 leeway informed by past incidents for being skilled at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a former England striker was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
