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

Can results tell the whole story? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, alongside the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team 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 by a narrow margin. Consistently, expected goals (xG) painted a different picture: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward may be their only star, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, seasoned, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from a defensive lapse, that was probably because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, cut in and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.

2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers

When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. 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). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. Eight games, only two victories, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to secure victories.

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

It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with international stars, 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 overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said the players asked to have a rest day after their latest win but he refused because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in the right areas, we could create more.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”

5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment

The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he finished from a neat pass was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. There are fears Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run bookended 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 lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that costly trend following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Howe was surely right to question a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at drawing contact and sometimes going down too easily? Analysis from a former England striker 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 force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”

7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality

Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly