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1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist

Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak continued against Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. 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). As usual, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, the xG metric painted a different picture: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers could be considered their sole standout, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, experienced, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, cut in and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, in perfect harmony.

2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short

Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, 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. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to secure victories.

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

It was an evening fixture on the holiday period but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with key attackers absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton sat fifth in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a reliable number nine. 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 just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. He stated that winning margins will inevitably become bigger 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 the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said the team wanted to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but he declined because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, work for those who didn't feature, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how the side can improve. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in these positions, we could create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is top.”

5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow

The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the assurance with which he clipped in from a neat pass was highly promising. So the image of him leaving immediately, following a rash challenge, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he probably endures a long time 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 highlighted by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.

6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea

Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they wish to avoid discussing. 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 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 match officials not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being very clever at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a former England striker was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” 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 … that’s not shielding the ball.”

7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves

Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly