Key Points of Debate from the Latest Round of Premier League Action

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

Can results sometimes deceive? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, statistical models was unimpressed: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by cohesive units, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa have all three. The young forward might just be their sole standout, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. The Villa manager is crafty, battle-hardened, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, move infield and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, combining effectively.

2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short

Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games consecutively for the first time under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United went back to black. Eight games, only two victories, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to secure victories.

3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory

It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the entire season without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins 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 elite players, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.

4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations

On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He revealed his squad requested to take a day off after their latest win but he declined because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and after three days off, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. He explained how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, locating the gaps – 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'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”

5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow

The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he converted from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having snuck up on the top four, putting together a string of positive results highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.

6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw

Managers often moan about debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season is a prime example. Their manager 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 had to settle for a point in. 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 blatant body check on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a well-known analyst was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he braces for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”

7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves

Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly