1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Do the final scores be misleading? One must ask. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by several measures – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. As usual, statistical models was unimpressed: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward may be their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is wily, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from a positional error, it was likely because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, move infield and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, working together.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games in a row for the first time under Ruben Amorim. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. In a run of eight matches, two wins, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to claim three points.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees sat fifth in the table recently given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable with hard work and perseverance. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
On Christmas Day the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said the players asked to take a day off after their latest win but he declined because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, we could create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is superb.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he clipped in from good service looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Howe was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by past incidents for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a well-known analyst was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “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. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
