Key Points of Debate from the Latest Round of Premier League Matches

1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist

Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? One must ask. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. Statistically, they were inferior by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, statistical models sided with the opposition: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by solid teamwork, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star might just be their sole standout, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is crafty, seasoned, five years ahead of the United boss. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, drive inside and torment him. Talent and management, working together.

2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short

Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games in a row for the maiden instance under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six missed opportunities. In the recent fixture they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year 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 evening fixture on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees occupied a European spot in the table not long ago given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories will inevitably grow more comfortable with hard work and perseverance. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.

4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City

On Christmas Day the City manager will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He revealed his squad requested to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but he declined because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then brief training for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in these positions, we could create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is top.”

5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment

Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he clipped in from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their prize asset.

6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?

Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The significant tally Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. 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 right to question a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the leeway informed by the player's history for being expert at drawing contact and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a former England striker was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he's ready. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the force and aggression there … that’s not shielding the ball.”

7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality

Brentford’s first away win this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly