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

Can results sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. Statistically, they were inferior by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, the xG metric sided with the opposition: according to data United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star might just be their only star, but he is performing as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is crafty, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from a defensive lapse, it was likely because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, move infield and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, combining effectively.

2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers

Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (away!) 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 optimism was growing. But then United returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.

3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind

It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the opposition box made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was expected with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he savoured a deserved win and reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable with hard work and perseverance. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.

4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City

Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He revealed the team wanted to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, work for those who didn't feature, and after three days off, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. He explained how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is top.”

5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment

Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like a statement. This was precisely the reason Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the assurance with which he finished from good service looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see such a gifted player perform at his best again. Reports suggest 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 top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.

6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw

Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss 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 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 their winger. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by past incidents for being very clever at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a former England striker was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “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 … that’s not shielding the ball.”

7. A 99.17% Certainty

Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly