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

Do the final scores be misleading? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) painted a different picture: according to data United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by cohesive units, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star could be considered their sole standout, but he is performing with festive regularity. The Villa manager is wily, seasoned, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, this was almost certainly because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to start wide, drive inside and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, in perfect harmony.

2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers

Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They managed three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, only two victories, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.

3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory

It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a distinct lack of quality 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 remarkable that the Toffees occupied a European spot in the table not long ago given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he savoured a deserved win and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. He stated that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. 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 needing to win ugly.

4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations

On Christmas Day the City manager will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained the team wanted to enjoy a break after their recent victory but he declined because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is top.”

5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment

Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he finished from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and a shame for any neutral who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he likely faces a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having snuck up on the top four, putting together a string of positive results 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 contentious refereeing decisions 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. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet Howe was surely right to question a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the doubt informed by the player's history for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a well-known analyst was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he braces for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … that’s not shielding the ball.”

7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves

Brentford’s first away win this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly