Ten Talking Points from the Weekend's Premier League Action

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

Are match outcomes tell the whole story? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, statistical models was unimpressed: reports suggest United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star could be considered their primary talisman, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is wily, experienced, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. If Rogers profited 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, cut in and torment him. Individual brilliance and coaching, in perfect harmony.

2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short

When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games in a row for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. They ascended 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, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. Eight games, two wins, six missed opportunities. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.

3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind

It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in 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 quality substitutes on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.

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 indulged too much. Guardiola said the team wanted to have a rest day after their recent victory but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed how the side can improve. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in the right areas, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”

5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow

Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was precisely the reason Liverpool invested heavily 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 sight of him departing immediately, following a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run bookended by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their record signing.

6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?

Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. Their manager certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Howe was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a respected pundit was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the force and aggression there … it's more than just defending.”

7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality

Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for their manager. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly