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

Do the final scores sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best 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 by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, statistical models painted a different picture: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star may be their only star, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. Unai Emery is shrewd, experienced, streets ahead of his counterpart. Should Rogers have benefited from a positional error, it was likely because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, drive inside and exploit the space. Talent and management, combining effectively.

2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers

When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, only two victories, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to secure victories.

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

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 was expected with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their ambitions for the Premier League. He stated that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable with dedication and persistence. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.

4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions

Over the festive period the Catalan coach 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 latest win but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. He explained how the side can improve. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is superb.”

5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow

The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he converted from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and a shame for any neutral who would like to see such a gifted player hit full tilt again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having quietly moved into the upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their record signing.

6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?

Managers often complain about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The significant tally Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that costly trend following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR 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 changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by past incidents for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a well-known analyst was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “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 … that’s not shielding the ball.”

7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality

Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; data analysts state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond professionalism. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly