1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Do the final scores tell the whole story? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, statistical models was unimpressed: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers could be considered their sole standout, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. Unai Emery is crafty, seasoned, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, cut in and torment him. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at home, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, two wins, six games without a win. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival 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 holiday period but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger 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 all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories will inevitably become bigger with dedication and persistence. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
Over the festive period the City manager 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 latest win but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how they can get better. “I’m good at reading 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. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's a great city, the food is superb.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he converted from good service was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a major worry for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with the Reds having snuck up on the top four, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often complain about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager 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 referee not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the doubt informed by past incidents for being expert at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a respected pundit was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “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 … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for their manager. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly