🔗 Share this article

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

Do the final scores tell the whole story? It's a valid query. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, statistical models sided with the opposition: according to data United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star could be considered their sole standout, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. Unai Emery is shrewd, experienced, five years ahead of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from a positional error, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to begin on the flank, cut in and torment him. Skill and strategy, working together.

2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United

When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games in a row for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were superior for large periods without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.

3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory

It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the final third made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and their star man unable to spark 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 the whole campaign without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he relished a hard-fought three points and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. But it is a little early 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

Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained his squad requested to take a day off after their latest win but he declined because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and after three days off, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. He explained how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is top.”

5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment

Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. 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 finished from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for Arne Slot and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak 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 huge loss with Liverpool having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.

6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea

Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet Howe was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a respected pundit was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”

7. A 99.17% Certainty

Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy 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; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly