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1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist

Are match outcomes be misleading? That is the question. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: reports suggest United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers could be considered their only star, but he is performing like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is crafty, seasoned, five years ahead of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from a defensive lapse, that was probably because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, drive inside and torment him. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.

2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United

Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games in a row for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six games without a win. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months 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 holiday period but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the entire season without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. He stated that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. 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 dependent on scrappy victories.

4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations

Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He explained the players asked to enjoy a break after their latest win but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. 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 generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”

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

Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he finished from good service boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.

6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?

Managers often moan about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. Their manager certainly did not seem too willing to mention that unfortunate habit 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 Newcastle’s manager was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a well-known analyst was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he braces for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”

7. A 99.17% Certainty

Brentford’s first away win this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly