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1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass

Do the final scores sometimes deceive? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – a lower shot count (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) was unimpressed: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers may be their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, battle-hardened, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to start wide, cut in and exploit the space. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.

2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short

Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans felt optimism return. They secured 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 (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. Eight games, only two victories, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever looking like winning. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to secure victories.

3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory

It was an evening fixture 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 unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees sat fifth in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable with graft and determination. 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 relying on grinding out wins.

4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City

During the holidays the City manager will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. Guardiola said his squad requested to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. He explained how improvements can be made. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in these positions, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's highly recommended, the food is top.”

5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment

Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he clipped in from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having quietly moved into the top four, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their record signing.

6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw

Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely right to question a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a well-known analyst was interesting. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”

7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves

Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly