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, alongside the nagging doubts. Statistically, they were inferior by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers might just be their sole standout, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is crafty, battle-hardened, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, drive inside and torment him. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, the coach continues to struggle with 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 attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
During the holidays the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said his squad requested to enjoy a break after their recent victory but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how the side can improve. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is top.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like an arrival. This was exactly what Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he converted from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their prize asset.
6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?
Managers often moan about debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. Their manager 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 ended up drawing. 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 clear obstruction on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? Comments by a respected pundit was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting for it. 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 maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
