Key Discussion Topics from the Latest Round of Premier League Matches

1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist

Do the final scores be misleading? One must ask. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, accompanied by the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by several measures – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. As usual, statistical models was unimpressed: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward could be considered their primary talisman, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. Unai Emery is shrewd, experienced, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from a positional error, that was probably because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, cut in and cause him problems. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.

2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short

Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games in a row for the first time under their manager. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. Eight games, two wins, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months 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 8pm kick-off on the festive weekend but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place 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 enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.

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 overdone the festive fare. He revealed the team wanted to take a day off after their recent victory but he refused 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 upcoming match. He explained how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is top.”

5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment

The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to break tight games with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he converted from good service was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a major worry for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. Reports suggest Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s first Premier League 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 complain about controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the doubt informed by past incidents for being expert at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? Comments by a respected pundit was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He knows the challenge is coming and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”

7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves

Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly