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

Do the final scores be misleading? One must ask. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. Statistically, they were inferior by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. The young forward might just be their only star, but he is performing with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is crafty, seasoned, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, drive inside and torment him. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.

2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short

Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games in a row for the initial occasion under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, two wins, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.

3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind

It was an evening fixture on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with creative forces absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable with hard work and perseverance. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving quality substitutes 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 explained his squad requested to take a day off after their latest win but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then brief training for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed how the side can improve. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is superb.”

5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow

Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to break tight games with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he clipped in from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the image of him leaving immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Slot’s team 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 tied up with those of their record signing.

6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea

Managers often moan about debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. Their manager certainly did not seem too willing to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by the player's history for being very clever at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a respected pundit was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”

7. A 99.17% Certainty

Brentford’s first away win this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly