1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Can results tell the whole story? One must ask. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, statistical models painted a different picture: reports suggest United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. The young forward may be their primary talisman, but he is performing like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is wily, seasoned, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to start wide, move infield and torment him. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – 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). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, two wins, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. Since his arrival 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 distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with creative forces absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played the whole campaign without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he relished a hard-fought three points and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be just as worrying given their ambitions for the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable with graft and determination. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said his squad requested to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but he declined because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then brief training for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is top.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the assurance with which he clipped in from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the image of him leaving immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their prize asset.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by the player's history for being expert at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a respected pundit was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “He knows the challenge is coming and he's ready. I think he’s ready to go down. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
