1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, accompanied by the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, the xG metric was unimpressed: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. The young forward may be their sole standout, but he is performing as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is wily, seasoned, streets ahead of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from a positional error, this was almost certainly because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to start wide, drive inside and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to secure victories.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was a late Saturday start on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with creative forces absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
Over the festive period the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed the team wanted to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. He explained 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 create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he clipped in from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he could be in for a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often complain about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The significant tally Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely right to question a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the leeway informed by the player's history for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a respected pundit was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
