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

Do the final scores sometimes deceive? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak continued against Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, statistical models painted a different picture: reports suggest United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward could be considered their sole standout, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is wily, battle-hardened, streets ahead of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, cut in and torment him. Skill and strategy, combining effectively.

2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers

When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games in a row for the first time under their manager. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. Since his arrival in England, the coach continues to struggle with 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 forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that David Moyes’s side occupied a European spot in the table recently given they have played the entire season without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories will inevitably grow more comfortable with dedication and persistence. 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 needing to win ugly.

4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City

On Christmas Day the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He explained the team wanted to have a rest day 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 post-holiday, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could be more potent.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. I'll visit 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 brief instant, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the confidence with which he converted from good service was highly promising. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and a shame for any neutral who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with the Reds having quietly moved into the top four, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.

6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?

Managers often complain about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s failure to protect 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 referee not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by the player's history for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a former England striker was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “He's prepared for the impact and he braces for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”

7. A 99.17% Certainty

Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. Rather than celebrate, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly