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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 persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, statistical models was unimpressed: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward could be considered their only star, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is crafty, experienced, streets ahead of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, move infield and torment him. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.

2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers

Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games consecutively for the first time under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, their forward scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.

3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory

It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with key attackers absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable with hard work and perseverance. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.

4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions

On Christmas Day the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. Guardiola said the team wanted to take a day off after their latest win but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then brief training for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family to relax. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”

5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win

Isak's clinical effort 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 movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he clipped in from a neat pass was highly promising. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. Reports suggest Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with the Reds having snuck up on the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear tied up with those of their record signing.

6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw

Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. Their manager certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that costly trend following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. 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 their winger. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a former England striker was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle and he braces for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the nature of the contact there … that’s not shielding the ball.”

7. A 99.17% Certainty

Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled relief for their manager. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly