1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Can results sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, the xG metric painted a different picture: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers might just be their only star, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is crafty, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, that was probably because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to start wide, drive inside and torment him. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games consecutively for the first time under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. Eight games, only two victories, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the opposition box made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees occupied a European spot in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he relished a hard-fought three points and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their ambitions for the Premier League. He stated that winning margins 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 international stars, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
Over the festive period the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed the team wanted to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and after three days off, then brief training for the next fixture. The manager outlined how the side can improve. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to break tight games with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the confidence with which he clipped in from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a six-game unbeaten run bookended by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely right to question a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at drawing contact and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a well-known analyst was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for their manager. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; data analysts state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
