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

Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? That is the question. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by several measures – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, statistical models was unimpressed: according to data United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by collective effort, shrewd management and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star could be considered their sole standout, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is crafty, experienced, five years ahead of the United boss. If Rogers profited from a positional error, it was likely because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to begin on the flank, cut in and cause him problems. Talent and management, working together.

2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United

Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans felt optimism return. They had won three league games in a row for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, two wins, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to secure victories.

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

It was an evening fixture on the festive weekend but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with creative forces absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played the entire season without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern 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 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. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations

On Christmas Day the City manager will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He revealed the players asked to take a day off after their recent victory but he declined because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, work for those who didn't feature, and after three days off, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in the right areas, we could create more.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. I'll visit Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is superb.”

5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow

Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was precisely the reason Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he finished from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he could be in for a lengthy period 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 maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.

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 significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. Their manager certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Howe was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by past incidents for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? The take of a well-known analyst was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”

7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality

Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly