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1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist

Can results tell the whole story? One must ask. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: according to data 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, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star may be their sole standout, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, seasoned, streets ahead of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, cut in and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, combining effectively.

2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short

Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games in a row for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to claim three points.

3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind

It was an evening fixture on the festive weekend but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that David Moyes’s side occupied a European spot in the table not long ago given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he relished a hard-fought three points and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable with dedication and persistence. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.

4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions

During the holidays Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He explained his squad requested to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and after three days off, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. He explained how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in these positions, 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 – it's a great city, the food is superb.”

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

Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the assurance with which he converted from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a huge concern for Arne Slot and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their record signing.

6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?

Managers often complain about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The significant tally Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem overly keen 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 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 penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the leeway informed by past incidents for being skilled at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a well-known analyst was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He knows the challenge is coming and he's ready. I think he’s ready to go down. But the strength of the challenge there … that’s not shielding the ball.”

7. A 99.17% Certainty

Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly