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1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist

Can results sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak continued against Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – a lower shot count (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, statistical models painted a different picture: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star could be considered their only star, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. Unai Emery is crafty, battle-hardened, five years 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 start wide, move infield and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, working together.

2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short

Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games in a row for the first time under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. Eight games, two wins, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward 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. Since his arrival in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to win consistently.

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 final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that David Moyes’s side occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the entire season without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he savoured a deserved win and reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. But it is a little early 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. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City

During the holidays the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained the players asked to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how the side can improve. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is top.”

5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment

Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he clipped in from a neat pass boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for Arne Slot and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with the Reds having quietly moved into the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their prize asset.

6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea

Managers often moan about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. Their manager 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 had to settle for a point in. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely right to question a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the doubt informed by past incidents for being skilled at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a respected pundit was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he braces for it. I think he’s ready to go down. 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. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly