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1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist

Are match outcomes be misleading? One must ask. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by 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), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, statistical models sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star may be their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. Unai Emery is crafty, experienced, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, that was probably because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to start wide, move infield and exploit the space. Skill and strategy, working together.

2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short

When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games consecutively for the first time under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.

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

It was an evening fixture on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with creative forces absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic with graft and determination. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.

4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions

On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said the players asked to enjoy a break after their recent victory but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's highly recommended, the food is top.”

5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow

Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the assurance with which he converted from good service looked extremely positive. So the image of him leaving immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has suffered a broken leg and he could be in for a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having quietly moved into the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their prize asset.

6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw

Managers often moan about debatable rulings as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe 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 eventually tied. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely right to question a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR 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 changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the leeway informed by the player's history for being very clever at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a respected pundit was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he braces for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”

7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality

Brentford’s first away win this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly