Ten Discussion Topics from the Weekend's Premier League Action

1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist

Can results be misleading? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak continued against Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. Statistically, they were inferior by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, statistical models painted a different picture: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers may be their sole standout, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is crafty, battle-hardened, five years ahead of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, this was almost certainly because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, drive inside and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, working together.

2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short

When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games in a row for the first time under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, two wins, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to claim three points.

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

It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees sat fifth in the table not long ago given they have played all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable with hard work and perseverance. But it is fairly soon 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. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City

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 take a day off after their recent victory but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. He explained how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is excellent.”

5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow

Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, as a turning point. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the assurance with which he converted from a neat pass boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a significant blow for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. Reports suggest 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 Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear tied up with those of their record signing.

6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea

Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely right to question 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 12-yard award could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the leeway informed by past incidents for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a former England striker was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”

7. A 99.17% Certainty

Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly