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

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

Do the final scores be misleading? One must ask. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. Statistically, they were inferior by multiple metrics – a lower shot count (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, the xG metric painted a different picture: according to data United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star may be their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is crafty, seasoned, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from a positional error, it was likely because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, drive inside and cause him problems. Talent and management, combining effectively.

2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers

Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They managed three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, 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 went back to black. In a run of eight matches, two wins, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year 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 an evening fixture on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that Everton were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the entire season without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he relished a hard-fought three points and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins will inevitably become bigger with hard work and perseverance. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.

4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions

During the holidays the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said his squad requested to have a rest day after their latest win but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is top.”

5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment

Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he clipped in from good service was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player hit full tilt again. There are fears Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for a long time on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with the Reds having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.

6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?

Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season is a prime example. Their manager certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that costly trend following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely right to question a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by past incidents for being expert at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a respected pundit was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming and he's ready. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”

7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves

Brentford’s first away win this season spelled joy for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly