A Decade of Points of Debate from the Weekend's Premier League Fixtures

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

Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, the xG metric sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers might just be their primary talisman, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, seasoned, five years ahead of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, it was likely because the coach had detected that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, move infield and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.

2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United

Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They managed three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, only two victories, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to secure victories.

3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory

It was a late Saturday start on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable with hard work and perseverance. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.

4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions

During the holidays Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. Guardiola said the players asked to take a day off after their latest win but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and after three days off, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. He explained how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could be more potent.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, 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 a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he finished from good service boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see such a gifted player perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.

6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw

Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Howe was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by past incidents for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes going down too easily? Analysis from a former England striker was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “He expects the tackle 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 initial success on their travels this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly