1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Can results tell the whole story? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – a lower shot count (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, statistical models painted a different picture: reports suggest United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers might just be their primary talisman, 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 begin on the flank, move infield and torment him. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.
2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games in a row for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. 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, against a promoted club, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories will inevitably become bigger with dedication and persistence. 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 relying on grinding out wins.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
During the holidays the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained the team wanted to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is top.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he clipped in from a neat pass boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has suffered a broken leg and he could be in for a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having quietly moved into the upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season is a prime example. 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 Howe was surely right to question a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? The take of a respected pundit was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he braces for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
