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

Do the final scores tell the whole story? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by cohesive units, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star could be considered their primary talisman, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. The Villa manager is wily, experienced, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to start wide, move infield and torment him. Talent and management, combining effectively.

2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short

Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, two wins, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival 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 drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees sat fifth in the table not long ago given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories will inevitably be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.

4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions

During the holidays the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed his squad requested to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, work for those who didn't feature, and after three days off, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. The manager outlined how the side can improve. “I excel at analyzing 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'm taking a break with the family to relax. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is excellent.”

5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment

Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he clipped in from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s initial 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 moan about controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The significant tally Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem too willing to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. 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 blatant body check on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the doubt informed by the player's history for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? Analysis from a respected pundit was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the force and aggression there … that’s not shielding the ball.”

7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality

Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly