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

Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? One must ask. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. As usual, expected goals (xG) painted a different picture: reports suggest United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star could be considered their primary talisman, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is wily, seasoned, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from a positional error, that was probably because the coach had detected that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, cut in and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, working together.

2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short

When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans felt optimism return. They had won three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.

3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory

It was a late Saturday start on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the opposition box made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger struggling to lift 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 all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic 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. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations

On Christmas Day the City manager will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. Guardiola said the players asked to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then brief training for the next fixture. The manager outlined how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, we could create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is superb.”

5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment

Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he converted from good service boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a significant blow for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he probably endures a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.

6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?

Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem overly keen 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 justified in criticising 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 penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the benefit of considerable doubt informed by the player's history for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? Analysis from a well-known analyst was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming and he's ready. I think he’s ready to go down. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”

7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves

Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about 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 – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly