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1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist

Can results 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 multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers may be their sole standout, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. The Villa manager is crafty, battle-hardened, streets ahead of the United boss. If Rogers profited from a positional error, that was probably because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to start wide, drive inside and torment him. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.

2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short

Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They managed three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to claim three points.

3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory

It was a late Saturday start 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 expected with creative forces absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees occupied a European spot in the table recently 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 reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed 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 elite players, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.

4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations

During the holidays the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained the team wanted to enjoy a break after their recent victory but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could be more potent.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”

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 invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he clipped in from a neat pass was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see such a gifted player hit full tilt again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a string of positive results highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.

6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea

Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. Their manager certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that costly trend following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Howe was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a respected pundit was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he braces for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge 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. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; data analysts state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly