1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Are match outcomes tell the whole story? That is the question. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. Statistically, they were inferior by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. As usual, the xG metric painted a different picture: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by cohesive units, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers could be considered their sole standout, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is shrewd, seasoned, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, this was almost certainly because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, cut in and exploit the space. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games on the bounce for the first time 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 (in front of their own fans, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods 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 important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to claim three points.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an evening fixture on the festive weekend but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the entire season without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins will inevitably become bigger 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 relying on grinding out wins.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
During the holidays Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said his squad requested to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how the side can improve. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family to relax. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the assurance with which he clipped in from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a major worry for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a six-game unbeaten run bookended by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season seems a case in point. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that costly trend following his side’s failure to protect 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 on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction 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 the player's history for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a respected pundit was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
