Key Points of Debate from the Recent Premier League Fixtures

1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist

Do the final scores sometimes deceive? One must ask. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, alongside the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) painted a different picture: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star might just be their only star, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is wily, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, move infield and exploit the space. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.

2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers

Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games in a row for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were superior for large periods without ever looking like winning. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to secure victories.

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

It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table not long ago given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. 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 ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.

4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations

During the holidays the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained the team wanted to have a rest day after their latest win but he refused because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. 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 brief instant, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to break tight games with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he converted from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he could be in for a long time on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their record signing.

6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea

Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe 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 ended up drawing. Yet Howe was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the match officials 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 altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a former England striker was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle 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. A 99.17% Certainty

Brentford’s first away win this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly