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

Are match outcomes be misleading? It's a valid query. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, alongside the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers may be their only star, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. Unai Emery is shrewd, experienced, streets ahead of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, cut in and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.

2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers

Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They managed three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under their manager. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and optimism was growing. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, two wins, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival 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 an evening fixture on the festive weekend but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and ascending to the summit of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results 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 exciting options on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.

4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City

During the holidays the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed the players asked to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, work for those who didn't feature, and after three days off, then 48 hours of preparation for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined 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 create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”

5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow

The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he clipped in from good service was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see such a gifted player perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals 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 want to keep private. The significant tally Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s failure to protect 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 clear obstruction on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a former England striker was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. 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 a welcome result for their manager. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly