Ten Talking Points from the Weekend's Premier League Fixtures

1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United

Are match outcomes be misleading? One must ask. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – a lower shot count (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, the xG metric sided with the opposition: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward may be their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, experienced, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, it was likely because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, move infield and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.

2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United

Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games in a row for the maiden instance under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve how to claim three points.

3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory

It was an 8pm kick-off on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton 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 enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem 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 somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.

4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions

During the holidays the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said the players asked to take a day off after their latest win but he refused because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then brief training for the next fixture. He explained how they can get better. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, 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, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he converted from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a reckless attempt, 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. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Slot’s team having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.

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. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem too willing to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s inability to hold onto 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 on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by the player's history for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a well-known analyst was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. 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 spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly