Ten Points of Debate from the Weekend's Premier League Fixtures

1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist

Are match outcomes tell the whole story? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, the xG metric painted a different picture: according to data United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by solid teamwork, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa have all three. The young forward could be considered their sole standout, but he is performing like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is crafty, experienced, five years ahead of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from a positional error, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, cut in and cause him problems. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.

2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short

When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, only two victories, six games without a win. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.

3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit

It was an evening fixture on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the final third made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton occupied a European spot in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable with graft and determination. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.

4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City

During the holidays the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. 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 next fixture. He explained how the side can improve. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”

5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment

The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he finished from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he could be in for a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear inextricably linked to those of their record signing.

6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?

Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the doubt informed by the player's history for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a respected pundit was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He's prepared for the impact 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 first away win this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly