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

Can results tell the whole story? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, the xG metric painted a different picture: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star may be their primary talisman, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is wily, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of the United boss. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, drive inside and exploit the space. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.

2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers

When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games in a row for the maiden instance under Ruben Amorim. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. After 13 months in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.

3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit

It was an 8pm kick-off on the festive weekend but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish failing to inspire an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he relished a hard-fought three points and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be of similar concern 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 fairly soon 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. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations

Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed his squad requested to take a day off after their latest win but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how the side can improve. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is superb.”

5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win

Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, as a turning point. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the confidence with which he clipped in from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak 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 major blow with Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their record signing.

6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?

Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions 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. Their manager certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by the player's history for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a well-known analyst was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he braces for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … that’s not shielding the ball.”

7. A 99.17% Certainty

Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about 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 – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly