1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Can results sometimes deceive? One must ask. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. Statistically, they were inferior by multiple metrics – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, expected goals (xG) painted a different picture: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers may be their sole standout, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. Unai Emery is crafty, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of the United boss. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to begin on the flank, cut in and exploit the space. Talent and management, combining effectively.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games in a row for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. Eight games, only two victories, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an evening fixture on the festive weekend but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees sat fifth in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
During the holidays the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. Guardiola said the players asked to enjoy a break after their recent victory but he declined because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and after three days off, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, as a turning point. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he finished from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a significant blow for Arne Slot 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 could be in for a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Slot’s team having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their prize asset.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often moan about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. Their manager certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely right to question a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the doubt informed by past incidents for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes going down too easily? Analysis from a well-known analyst was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the force and aggression there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
