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 nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, the xG metric sided with the opposition: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward could be considered their only star, but he is performing as a timely gift. The Villa manager is wily, seasoned, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, that was probably because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to start wide, drive inside and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They had won three league games in a row for the maiden instance under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods 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 hit by fitness issues (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to claim three points.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
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 was expected with key attackers 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 two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. But it is a little early 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 Strict Festive Regime for Champions
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed his squad requested to have a rest day 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 following a short break, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in these positions, we could create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he clipped in from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having snuck up on the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear heavily dependent on those of their prize asset.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often moan about debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season is a prime example. Their manager certainly did not seem too willing to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely right to question a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on the England international. 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 earning fouls and sometimes simulating? The take of a well-known analyst was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He's prepared for the impact and he braces for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the force and aggression there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
