Ten Discussion Topics from the Weekend's Premier League Matches

1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass

Can results be misleading? It's a valid query. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. As usual, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. The young forward could be considered their only star, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. Unai Emery is shrewd, seasoned, streets ahead of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, this was almost certainly because the coach had detected that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to start wide, move infield and cause him problems. Talent and management, combining effectively.

2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United

Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games in a row for the initial occasion under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – 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 – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. Eight games, two wins, six games without a win. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.

3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit

It was a late Saturday start on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton occupied a European spot in the table recently 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 designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably become bigger 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 needing to win ugly.

4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions

Over the festive period the City manager will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed his squad requested to enjoy a break after their latest win but he declined because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how they can get better. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”

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

Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the assurance with which he converted from good service was highly promising. So the image of him leaving immediately, following a rash challenge, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player 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 huge loss with Slot’s team having quietly moved into the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear tied up with those of their record signing.

6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea

Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that costly trend following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. 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 the England international. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by the player's history for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes going down too easily? Analysis from a well-known analyst was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the force and aggression there … that’s not shielding the ball.”

7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves

Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for their manager. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly