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

Are match outcomes tell the whole story? That is the question. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, alongside the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star might just be their only star, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. Unai Emery is shrewd, experienced, streets ahead of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited 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 exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, in perfect harmony.

2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short

When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games consecutively for the first time under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they conceded soft goals. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to claim three points.

3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind

It was a late Saturday start on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees occupied a European spot in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the problem should be just as worrying given their ambitions for 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 elite players, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.

4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions

During the holidays Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said the players asked to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then brief training for the next fixture. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in these positions, we could be more potent.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family and champagne. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”

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

Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the assurance with which he converted from good service looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a rash challenge, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent 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 major blow with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run bookended by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on 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 wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Howe was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the benefit of considerable doubt informed by the player's history for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a well-known analyst was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the force and aggression there … it's more than just defending.”

7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality

Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly