1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Can results be misleading? One must ask. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, the xG metric painted a different picture: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star might just be their only star, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is wily, experienced, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, it was likely because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to start wide, drive inside and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, in perfect harmony.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games in a row for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, two wins, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever looking like winning. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to secure victories.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was a late Saturday start on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the entire season without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and ascending to the summit of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations
During the holidays Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said the team wanted to take a day off after their latest win but he refused because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. The manager outlined how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was precisely the reason Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he finished from good service boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Howe was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? Comments by a respected pundit was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He knows the challenge is coming and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
