Key Talking Points from the Recent Premier League Action

1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist

Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, alongside 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 by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, statistical models painted a different picture: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star could be considered their only star, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is shrewd, battle-hardened, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, drive inside and exploit the space. Talent and management, combining effectively.

2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United

Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games in a row for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.

3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit

It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with key attackers absent, and their star man failing to inspire 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 all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable with hard work and perseverance. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, 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 City manager will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said the players asked to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, work for those who didn't feature, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family to relax. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”

5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment

The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like an arrival. This was exactly what Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he converted from a neat pass was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a string of positive results highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.

6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?

Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely right to question a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by the player's history for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a well-known analyst was interesting. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”

7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves

Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly