🔗 Share this article

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

Can results tell the whole story? One must ask. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by several measures – less attempts (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: reports suggest United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward could be considered their only star, but he is performing like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, seasoned, significantly more advanced of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, that was probably because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, drive inside and exploit the space. Skill and strategy, working together.

2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short

Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). Their keeper provided stability, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. 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 holiday period but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that Everton occupied a European spot in the table not long ago given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be just as worrying given their ambitions for the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable with dedication and persistence. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.

4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City

During the holidays the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed the players asked to take a day off after their recent victory but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in these positions, we could create more.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is top.”

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

The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like a statement. This was precisely the reason Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the confidence with which he finished from good service looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear inextricably linked to those of their record signing.

6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea

Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The significant tally Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. Their manager certainly did not seem too willing to mention that costly trend following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet Howe was surely right to question a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR 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 altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a well-known analyst was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the force and aggression there … that’s not shielding the ball.”

7. A 99.17% Certainty

Brentford’s first away win this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly