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

Can results tell the whole story? One must ask. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, statistical models was unimpressed: 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 collective effort, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers might just be their sole standout, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, experienced, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, that was probably 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. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.

2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United

Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games consecutively for the first time under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). The goalkeeper was reassuring, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. After 13 months in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.

3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit

It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and a return to the top of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably become bigger with dedication and persistence. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.

4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City

On Christmas Day the Catalan coach 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 recent victory but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and after three days off, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. The manager outlined how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's a great city, the food is excellent.”

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

Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he clipped in from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he could be in for 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 six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.

6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw

Managers often moan about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem overly keen 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 obvious foul on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? The take of a respected pundit was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”

7. A 99.17% Certainty

Brentford’s first away win this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; data analysts state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly