1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Can results tell the whole story? One must ask. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by several measures – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, statistical models was unimpressed: reports suggest United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by collective effort, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star may be their sole standout, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. The Villa manager is shrewd, experienced, streets ahead of his counterpart. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, it was likely because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, move infield and cause him problems. Talent and management, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games consecutively for the first time under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. Eight games, only two victories, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an evening fixture on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish failing to inspire an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton sat fifth in the table recently given they have played the entire season without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable with graft and determination. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
During the holidays the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained his squad requested to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but he declined because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. The manager outlined how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason 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 finished from a neat pass boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a major worry for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see such a gifted player perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their prize asset.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager 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 Howe was surely correct to highlight 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 12-yard award could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by past incidents for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? Comments by a former England striker was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the strength of the challenge there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
