A Decade of Discussion Topics from the Latest Round of Premier League Action

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

Can results tell the whole story? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. As usual, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: reports suggest United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers may be their only star, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. Unai Emery is shrewd, experienced, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, cut in and torment him. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.

2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers

Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to win consistently.

3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind

It was an 8pm kick-off 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 creative forces absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side occupied a European spot in the table recently given they have played the entire season without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the problem should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with graft and determination. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.

4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations

During the holidays the City manager will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained the players asked to enjoy a break after their recent victory but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and after three days off, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. The manager outlined how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”

5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment

The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he clipped in from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player hit full tilt again. Reports suggest Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having quietly moved into the upper echelons, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.

6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?

Managers often complain about controversial calls 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 is a prime example. 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 ended up drawing. Yet Howe 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 Anthony Gordon. 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 the player's history for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? Comments by a well-known analyst was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”

7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves

Brentford’s first away win this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly