🔗 Share this article

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

Can results sometimes deceive? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. Statistically, they were inferior by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, the xG metric painted a different picture: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, shrewd management and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers may be their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is crafty, battle-hardened, streets ahead of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from a positional error, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, drive inside and exploit the space. Talent and management, combining effectively.

2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short

When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under their manager. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, two wins, six disappointing results. 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 cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to secure victories.

3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory

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 predictable with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that Everton were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he relished a hard-fought three points and a return to the top of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable with graft and determination. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.

4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations

Over the festive period the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. Guardiola said the team wanted to take a day off after their latest win 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 two days to prepare for the upcoming match. 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 and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”

5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow

The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, as a turning point. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the assurance with which he clipped in from good service boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Slot’s team having snuck up on the top four, putting together a string of positive results highlighted by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their prize asset.

6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw

Managers often moan about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing to mention that problematic pattern 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 correct to highlight a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? The take of a well-known analyst was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the strength of the challenge there … that’s not shielding the ball.”

7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality

Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly