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

Are match outcomes be misleading? One must ask. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, the xG metric sided with the opposition: according to data United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward may be their sole standout, but he is performing with festive regularity. The Villa manager is crafty, experienced, streets ahead of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, that was probably because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, drive inside and cause him problems. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.

2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short

Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.

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 forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team by himself. 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 proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable with graft and determination. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.

4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City

On Christmas Day the City manager will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained his squad requested to take a day off after their recent victory but he declined because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”

5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment

Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he clipped in from a neat pass boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Slot’s team having snuck up on the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear inextricably linked to those of their record signing.

6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw

Managers often moan about contentious refereeing decisions 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 collapse from 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 referee not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a former England striker was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”

7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality

Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly