1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Can results sometimes deceive? One must ask. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, alongside the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, statistical models painted a different picture: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers could be considered their only star, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, seasoned, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from a positional error, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, move infield and cause him problems. Talent and management, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an evening fixture on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the opposition box made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish failing to inspire an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees sat fifth in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he relished a hard-fought three points and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable with hard work and perseverance. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said the players asked to enjoy a break after their recent victory but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in these positions, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he finished from good service looked extremely positive. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss 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 Howe was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a former England striker was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He knows the challenge is coming and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
