1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? One must ask. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, statistical models painted a different picture: reports suggest United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star may be their only star, but he is performing as a timely gift. The Villa manager is shrewd, seasoned, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, drive inside and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They managed three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – 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 routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, two wins, six missed opportunities. In the recent fixture they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an evening fixture on the festive weekend but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton occupied a European spot in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. He stated that winning margins 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 international stars, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
During the holidays the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said the team wanted to have a rest day after their latest win but he declined because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then brief training for the next fixture. He explained how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, we could create more.” Pep also intends to 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 excellent.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, as a turning point. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he clipped in from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a reckless attempt, was a huge concern 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 probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s collapse from 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 Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? The take of a respected pundit was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “He's prepared for the impact and he braces for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the nature of the contact there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road 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. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
