Ten Talking Points from the Recent Premier League Action

1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist

Do the final scores sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, expected goals (xG) painted a different picture: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward might just be their sole standout, but he is performing like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is wily, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. Should Rogers have benefited from a positional error, that was probably because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, drive inside and torment him. Individual brilliance and coaching, in perfect harmony.

2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United

Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.

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

It was a late Saturday start 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 on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played the entire season without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable with hard work and perseverance. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.

4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations

Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained his squad requested to take a day off after their recent victory but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then brief training for the next fixture. The manager outlined how they can get better. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”

5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow

Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the assurance with which he clipped in from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a huge concern for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he likely faces a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having snuck up on the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their prize asset.

6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea

Managers often moan about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The significant tally Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that costly trend 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 on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by the player's history for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a former England striker was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” 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 … that’s not shielding the ball.”

7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality

Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – possibly kindly – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly