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

Can results sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by multiple metrics – a lower shot count (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star might just be their primary talisman, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. The Villa manager is wily, experienced, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, it was likely because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to begin on the flank, cut in and cause him problems. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.

2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short

Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They had won three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting 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. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. Since his arrival in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to claim three points.

3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory

It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that Everton were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he relished a hard-fought three points and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably become bigger with dedication and persistence. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.

4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City

Over the festive period the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. Guardiola said his squad requested to have a rest day after their latest win but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. I'm going to 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 brief instant, 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 calmness with which he converted from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a major worry for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player hit full tilt again. Reports suggest Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having snuck up on the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.

6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?

Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The significant tally 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 collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? The take of a well-known analyst was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “He's prepared for the impact and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”

7. A 99.17% Certainty

Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for their manager. Rather than celebrate, 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 beyond dire; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly