"Aston Villa's winning streak continued against Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by several measures fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. As usual, our friend xG was unimpressed: according to Opta, United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows, games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and individual talent and Villa have all three."
"Morgan Rogers may be their only star, but he's delivering like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is wily, battle-hardened, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro's naivety, that was probably 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, working together."
Aston Villa beat Manchester United 2-1 while recording fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57) and fewer big chances (2-3). Opta xG gave United a 1.31-1.02 edge, but Villa's cohesive teamwork, tactical preparation and individual quality produced the victory. Morgan Rogers delivered decisive attacking performances and exploited Leny Yoro's positional weaknesses when instructed to start wide and cut inside. Unai Emery's experience and tactical acumen were credited with identifying mismatches and instructing Rogers accordingly. Manchester United created chances, suffered injuries to Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes, conceded soft goals and have struggled for consistent wins under Ruben Amorim.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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