1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Are match outcomes tell the whole story? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, alongside the lingering concerns. Statistically, they were inferior by multiple metrics – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, the xG metric was unimpressed: analysis indicates 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 individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers might just be their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. The Villa manager is shrewd, experienced, significantly more advanced of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, move infield and cause him problems. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games in a row for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. 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). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an evening fixture on the festive weekend but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the final third made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was expected with creative forces absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton occupied a European spot in the table not long ago given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories will inevitably be more emphatic with graft and determination. But it is a little early 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 Strict Festive Regime for Champions
During the holidays the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained the players asked to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. He explained how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, we could be more potent.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's a great city, the food is excellent.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he converted from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player hit full tilt again. Reports suggest Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having quietly moved into the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often complain about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. Their manager certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that costly trend following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR 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 opposing player the benefit of considerable doubt informed by the player's history for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a former England striker was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the force and aggression there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
