A Decade of Discussion Topics from the Weekend's Premier League Action

1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist

Do the final scores sometimes deceive? One must ask. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) painted a different picture: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward might just be their primary talisman, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, experienced, five years ahead of the United boss. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, cut in and exploit the space. Skill and strategy, combining effectively.

2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers

When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. Eight games, two wins, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. After 13 months in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to win consistently.

3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind

It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. He stated that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable with dedication and persistence. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.

4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City

Over the festive period the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He explained his squad requested to have a rest day after their latest win but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then brief training for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – 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

Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to break tight games with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he finished from good service boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player 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 Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.

6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?

Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. Their manager certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that problematic pattern 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 right to question 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 Chelsea defender the leeway informed by the player's history for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? The take of a former England striker was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle and he braces for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the strength of the challenge there … it constitutes a foul.”

7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves

Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly