🔗 Share this article

1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United

Can results be misleading? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by several measures – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. The young forward might just be their sole standout, but he is performing like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is crafty, battle-hardened, streets ahead of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because the coach had detected that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, drive inside and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.

2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United

Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games consecutively for the first time under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever looking like winning. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.

3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind

It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with creative forces absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played the whole campaign without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories 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 elite players, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.

4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions

Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained the team wanted to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, work for those who didn't feature, and after three days off, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. He explained how the side can improve. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in the right areas, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family to relax. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”

5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win

Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to break tight games with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the confidence with which he clipped in from good service boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he could be in for a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their prize asset.

6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?

Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. Their manager 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 Newcastle’s manager 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 penalty could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? The take of a former England striker was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he's ready. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … that’s not shielding the ball.”

7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality

Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled relief for their manager. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly