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

Are match outcomes be misleading? It's a valid query. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, expected goals (xG) painted a different picture: analysis indicates 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, shrewd management and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. The young forward might just be their sole standout, but he is performing with festive regularity. Unai Emery is shrewd, seasoned, five years ahead of the United boss. If Rogers profited from a defensive lapse, that was probably because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to start wide, drive inside and cause him problems. Talent and management, combining effectively.

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 maiden instance under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.

3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory

It was a late Saturday start on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton sat fifth in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable with graft and determination. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.

4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City

Over the festive period the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said the players asked to have a rest day after their latest win but he declined because the performance was insufficient. 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 the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could create more.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is superb.”

5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow

The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was exactly what 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 finished from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.

6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea

Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that costly trend following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR 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 changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the leeway informed by past incidents for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? 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 nature of the contact there … that’s not shielding the ball.”

7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality

Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly