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1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist

Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – a lower shot count (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, the xG metric was unimpressed: according to data United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by cohesive units, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers might just be their sole standout, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is wily, battle-hardened, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from a positional error, that was probably because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to start wide, drive inside and torment him. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.

2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United

Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They managed three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. 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 seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to claim three points.

3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory

It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period 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 their star man failing to inspire an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton sat fifth in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the entire season without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. He stated that victories will inevitably become bigger with dedication and persistence. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.

4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations

Over the festive period the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He revealed the team wanted to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. He explained how they can get better. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in the right areas, we could create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family and champagne. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is superb.”

5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow

Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he converted from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for Arne Slot and disappointing for the spectator 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 extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having snuck up on the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their prize asset.

6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea

Managers often moan about debatable rulings as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem overly keen 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 right to question a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on the England international. 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 past incidents for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a former England striker was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the force and aggression there … it's more than just defending.”

7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves

Brentford’s first away win this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly