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1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist

Are match outcomes tell the whole story? One must ask. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by several measures – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, the xG metric painted a different picture: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers might just be their primary talisman, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is shrewd, battle-hardened, five years ahead of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, cut in and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.

2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United

When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games in a row for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.

3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory

It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the entire season without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.

4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations

During the holidays Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He explained the team wanted to take a day off after their recent victory but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and after three days off, then 48 hours of preparation for the Nottingham Forest game. He explained how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”

5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow

Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he finished from good service boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a major worry for Arne Slot and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a extended spell 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 first Premier League goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.

6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw

Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they want to keep private. The significant tally Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that costly trend following his side’s collapse from 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 penalty could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the leeway informed by the player's history for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? Analysis from a well-known analyst was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He knows the challenge is coming and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … it constitutes a foul.”

7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves

Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly