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

Can results be misleading? One must ask. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, statistical models painted a different picture: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by cohesive units, shrewd management and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers could be considered their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. Unai Emery is crafty, seasoned, streets ahead of the United boss. If Rogers profited from a defensive lapse, it was likely because the manager identified that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, cut in and torment him. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.

2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short

Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games in a row for the first time under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six disappointing results. 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 failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to influential figures), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to win consistently.

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

It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees sat fifth in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he relished a hard-fought three points and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.

4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions

During the holidays Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said the team wanted to have a rest day after their recent victory but he refused because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and following a short break, then brief training for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”

5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow

Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he clipped in from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a major worry for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Slot’s team having quietly moved into the top four, putting together a string of positive results highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear heavily dependent on those of their prize asset.

6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea

Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that problematic pattern 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 the Magpies' boss was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by the player's history for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a well-known analyst was interesting. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the nature of the contact there … that’s not shielding the ball.”

7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality

Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly