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1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist

Can results be misleading? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by a number of key indicators – a lower shot count (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: according to data 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 solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers may be their sole standout, but he is performing like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, seasoned, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, move infield and exploit the space. Talent and management, combining effectively.

2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United

Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games on the bounce for the first time under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to influential figures), but they conceded soft goals. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve how to claim three points.

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

It was an evening fixture on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is surprising that Everton occupied a European spot in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he savoured a deserved win and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. He stated that victories will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. But it is somewhat premature 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

Over the festive period the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He revealed his squad requested to take a day off after their recent victory but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, work for those who didn't feature, and after three days off, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in the right areas, we could create more.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is top.”

5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow

The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the assurance with which he clipped in from good service looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and a shame for any neutral 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 extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.

6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw

Managers often moan about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they want to keep private. The significant tally Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Howe was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the match officials 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 benefit of considerable doubt informed by the player's history for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a well-known analyst was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the force and aggression there … it's more than just defending.”

7. A 99.17% Certainty

Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled relief for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly