1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Can results tell the whole story? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – a lower shot count (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. As usual, the xG metric sided with the opposition: reports suggest United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers could be considered their only star, but he is performing with festive regularity. Unai Emery is crafty, experienced, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, that was probably because the manager identified that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to begin on the flank, cut in and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They managed three league games in a row for the first time under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. Since his arrival 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 Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the opposition box made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that Everton sat fifth in the table recently 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 a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories will inevitably be more emphatic with graft and determination. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
During the holidays Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. Guardiola said his squad requested to take a day off after their recent victory but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and after three days off, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. I'll visit Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is excellent.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he finished from good service was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see such a gifted player hit full tilt again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he could be in for a long time on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Slot’s team having snuck up on the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their prize asset.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The significant tally Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. Their manager certainly did not seem too willing to mention that costly trend following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a well-known analyst was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact 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 Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
