A Decade of Discussion Topics from the Recent Premier League Action

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

Can results be misleading? It's a valid query. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, statistical models painted a different picture: reports suggest United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa have all three. The young forward might just be their only star, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. The Villa manager is wily, seasoned, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, that was probably because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to start wide, move infield and torment him. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.

2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers

Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games consecutively for the first time under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to secure victories.

3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory

It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he relished a hard-fought three points and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted 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 international stars, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.

4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City

On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed the players asked to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then brief training for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's highly recommended, the food is top.”

5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow

The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he clipped in from a neat pass was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a huge concern for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Slot’s team having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their prize asset.

6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?

Managers often moan about debatable rulings as a means of deflecting media attention 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. Their manager 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 had to settle for a point in. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the referee 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 altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a former England striker was interesting. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”

7. A 99.17% Certainty

Brentford’s first away win this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly