1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United
Can results be misleading? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, the xG metric painted a different picture: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. The young forward may be their primary talisman, but he is performing with festive regularity. Unai Emery is shrewd, battle-hardened, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to start wide, move infield and torment him. Talent and management, combining effectively.
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 first time under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed 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 – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was an 8pm kick-off on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton sat fifth in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories will inevitably grow more comfortable with dedication and persistence. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
During the holidays Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said his squad requested to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's a great city, the food is superb.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Alexander Isak’s goal 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 decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he finished from good service boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution 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 long time on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with the Reds having snuck up on the top four, putting together a six-game unbeaten run bookended by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear tied up with those of their prize asset.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by past incidents for being skilled at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? Analysis from a respected pundit was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
