1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Are match outcomes be misleading? It's a valid query. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, the xG metric was unimpressed: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers may be their only star, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is crafty, experienced, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to start wide, move infield and exploit the space. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games on the bounce for the first time under their manager. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six missed opportunities. In the recent fixture they were superior for large periods without ever looking like winning. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
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 attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton occupied a European spot in the table recently given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and ascending to the summit of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
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 overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said his squad requested to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. He explained how they can get better. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could be more potent.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's highly recommended, the food is top.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, as a turning point. This was the very purpose 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 boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their record signing.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they want to keep private. The significant tally Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that costly trend following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Howe was surely right to question a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by the player's history for being very clever at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a respected pundit was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
