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1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist

Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? One must ask. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) painted a different picture: according to data United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa have all three. The young forward may be their only star, but he is performing like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is wily, experienced, five years ahead of the United boss. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, move infield and cause him problems. Talent and management, working together.

2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United

Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games consecutively for the first time under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha 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 claim three points.

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

It was an evening fixture on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the opposition box made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is surprising that Everton occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the entire season without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he savoured a deserved win and reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. He stated that victories will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.

4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions

On Christmas Day the City manager will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said the players asked to take a day off after their latest win but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, we could be more potent.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is superb.”

5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment

Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he converted from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and a shame for any neutral who would like to see such a gifted player hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having quietly moved into the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their record signing.

6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?

Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe 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 ended up drawing. Yet Howe was surely right to question a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by past incidents for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a well-known analyst was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”

7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves

Brentford’s first away win this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – possibly kindly – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly