🔗 Share this article

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

Can results tell the whole story? One must ask. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, alongside the lingering concerns. Statistically, they were inferior by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, statistical models sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star could be considered their primary talisman, but he is performing as a timely gift. The Villa manager is shrewd, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of the United boss. If Rogers profited from a defensive lapse, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to start wide, cut in and torment him. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.

2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers

Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, only two victories, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.

3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind

It was an evening fixture on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is astonishing that David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table not long ago given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable with hard work and perseverance. But it is fairly soon 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 Festive City Investigations

Over the festive period the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He revealed 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, work for those who didn't feature, and following a short break, then brief training for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed how the side can improve. “I’m good at reading 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 have holidays with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is excellent.”

5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow

The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the confidence with which he finished from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a rash challenge, was a major worry for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a string of positive results highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear tied up with those of their record signing.

6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?

Managers often moan about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The significant tally Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. Their manager 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 had to settle for a point in. Yet the Magpies' boss 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 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 leeway informed by past incidents for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? The take of a well-known analyst was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he's ready. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”

7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality

Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly