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1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass

Do the final scores sometimes deceive? One must ask. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – less attempts (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, expected goals (xG) painted a different picture: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by cohesive units, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. The young forward could be considered their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. The Villa manager is shrewd, experienced, significantly more advanced of the United boss. If Rogers profited from a positional error, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to start wide, cut in and exploit the space. Talent and management, working together.

2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short

When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They managed three league games in a row for the first time under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.

3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind

It was an evening fixture on the festive weekend but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the final third made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton occupied a European spot in the table not long ago given they have played the whole campaign without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories 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 talented players on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.

4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City

Over the festive period the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed his squad requested to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then brief training for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in the right areas, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to 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 top.”

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

Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he finished from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a rash challenge, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. Reports suggest Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.

6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw

Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they want to keep private. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss 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 correct to highlight a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR 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 swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the doubt informed by the player's history for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? Comments by a respected pundit was interesting. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming and he braces for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”

7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality

Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly