1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? One must ask. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – a lower shot count (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, statistical models was unimpressed: 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 collective effort, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star might just be their only star, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. The Villa manager is crafty, battle-hardened, five years ahead of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, that was probably because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to begin on the flank, move infield and exploit the space. Talent and management, combining effectively.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games in a row for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. 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, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United went back to black. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six missed opportunities. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was a late Saturday start on the festive weekend but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players 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 two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. He stated that victories will inevitably be more emphatic with graft and determination. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
On Christmas Day the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained his squad requested to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the Nottingham Forest game. He explained how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in these positions, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he finished from good service was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a rash challenge, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player perform at his best again. Reports suggest Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. Their manager certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that problematic pattern 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 the Magpies' boss was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by the player's history for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a well-known analyst was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” 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 … it's more than just defending.”
7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
