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

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

Can results be misleading? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. As usual, the xG metric sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers could be considered their only star, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is wily, seasoned, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, drive inside and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.

2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United

Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games in a row for the first time under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. In a run of eight matches, two wins, six missed opportunities. In the recent fixture they were superior for large periods without ever looking like winning. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (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. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind

It was a late Saturday start on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with key attackers absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is astonishing that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and a return to the top of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. He stated that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic 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 check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He revealed the team wanted to take a day off after their recent victory but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is superb.”

5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment

The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, as a turning point. This was the very purpose Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he finished from a neat pass boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.

6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea

Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. Their manager certainly did not seem too willing to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Howe was surely right to question a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the leeway informed by past incidents for being very clever at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a respected pundit was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the nature of the contact there … that’s not shielding the ball.”

7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves

Brentford’s first away win this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly