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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, but so did the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: reports suggest United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers could be considered their only star, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. The Villa manager is crafty, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from a positional error, it was likely because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, move infield and exploit the space. Skill and strategy, working together.

2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers

Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. In a run of eight matches, two wins, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year 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 8pm kick-off on the festive weekend but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the entire season without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic 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 quality substitutes on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.

4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions

Over the festive period the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He explained the team wanted to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but he declined because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and after three days off, then 48 hours of preparation 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 these positions, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's highly recommended, the food is top.”

5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment

The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he converted from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having snuck up on the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear tied up with those of their record signing.

6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?

Managers often moan about debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that unfortunate habit 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 Newcastle’s manager was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a former England striker was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge 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 their manager. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly