Ten Talking Points from the Weekend's Premier League Fixtures

1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist

Do the final scores be misleading? One must ask. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, statistical models was unimpressed: according to data United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star might just be their primary talisman, but he is performing like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, experienced, significantly more advanced of the United boss. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to begin on the flank, cut in and torment him. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.

2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United

Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – 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 – a comfortable clean sheet). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six games without a win. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. After 13 months in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to secure victories.

3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind

It was an evening fixture on the festive weekend but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the opposition box made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees sat fifth in the table recently given they have played the entire season without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with graft and determination. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.

4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City

Over the festive period the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed the team wanted to enjoy a break after their recent victory but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering 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 will be on vacation with the family and champagne. I'll visit Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is superb.”

5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment

Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he finished from a neat pass was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a major worry for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he could be in for a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their record signing.

6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw

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 squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. Their manager certainly did not seem particularly eager 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 Howe was surely right to question a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the doubt informed by past incidents for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a well-known analyst was interesting. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He knows the challenge is coming and he braces for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”

7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality

Brentford’s first away win this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly