Key Talking Points from the Weekend's Premier League Matches

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

Are match outcomes tell the whole story? One must ask. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, statistical models sided with the opposition: reports suggest United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by cohesive units, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star might just be their only star, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. Unai Emery is wily, seasoned, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, drive inside and exploit the space. Talent and management, working together.

2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short

When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games in a row for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.

3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind

It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic 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 relying on grinding out wins.

4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City

Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. Guardiola said his squad requested to enjoy a break after their latest win but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family to relax. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is top.”

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

Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the confidence with which he finished from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having quietly moved into the upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear tied up with those of their prize asset.

6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw

Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that costly trend 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 correct to highlight a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a well-known analyst was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he's ready. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … that’s not shielding the ball.”

7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves

Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled relief for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly