1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Do the final scores be misleading? One must ask. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. The young forward might just be their sole standout, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is crafty, experienced, streets ahead of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to start wide, drive inside and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, working together.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They managed three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under their manager. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. Eight games, two wins, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to secure victories.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an 8pm kick-off on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees sat fifth in the table not long ago given they have played all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the deficiency should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably become bigger with hard work and perseverance. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
On Christmas Day the City manager will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. Guardiola said the team wanted to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then brief training for the next fixture. He explained how the side can improve. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he converted from a neat pass boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a major worry for the Liverpool manager and a shame for any neutral who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their prize asset.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Howe was surely right to question a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by the player's history for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a well-known analyst was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the nature of the contact there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
