Ten Talking Points from the Weekend's Premier League Matches

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

Can results be misleading? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star might just be their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. Unai Emery is crafty, experienced, five years ahead of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to start wide, cut in and torment him. Individual brilliance and coaching, in perfect harmony.

2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United

Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.

3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind

It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and a return to the top of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable with dedication and persistence. 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 needing to win ugly.

4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations

On Christmas Day the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said the players asked to take a day off after their latest win but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. He explained how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's a great city, the food is superb.”

5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow

Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he converted from good service boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Slot’s team having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.

6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea

Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a former England striker was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he braces for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the force and aggression there … it's more than just defending.”

7. A 99.17% Certainty

Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly