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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 was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. The young forward might just be their sole standout, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, experienced, five years ahead of his counterpart. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to start wide, move infield and torment him. Skill and strategy, combining effectively.

2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers

Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, only two victories, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. After 13 months 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 evening fixture on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he relished a hard-fought three points and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories will inevitably become bigger with dedication and persistence. 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. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City

During the holidays Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed his squad requested to take a day off after their latest win but he declined because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then brief training for the next fixture. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading 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'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”

5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow

Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he finished from a neat pass boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a major worry for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having snuck up on the top four, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.

6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea

Managers often complain about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that unfortunate habit 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 justified in criticising 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 altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the doubt informed by past incidents for being very clever at drawing contact and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a respected pundit was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “He's prepared for the impact and he's ready. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”

7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves

Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly