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

Can results be misleading? That is the question. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, the xG metric painted a different picture: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is 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 may be their sole standout, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, experienced, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from a positional error, it was likely because the manager identified that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, move infield and torment him. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.

2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers

Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a routine shutout). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were superior for large periods without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.

3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind

It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the opposition box made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.

4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations

Over the festive period the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained his squad requested to enjoy a break after their recent victory but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. He explained how the side can improve. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is excellent.”

5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment

The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the confidence with which he converted from a neat pass boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a major worry for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their record signing.

6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?

Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that costly trend following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the leeway informed by the player's history for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes going down too easily? Analysis from a well-known analyst was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he’s ready to go down. But the strength of the challenge there … that’s not shielding the ball.”

7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves

Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled relief for their manager. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly