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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. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, statistical models was unimpressed: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers might just be their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. The Villa manager is wily, experienced, five years ahead of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, that was probably because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, drive inside and cause him problems. 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 managed three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. Eight games, two wins, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to claim three points.

3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory

It was an evening fixture on the festive weekend but a glaring absence of finesse in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton occupied a European spot in the table recently given they have played the entire season 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 equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. He stated that victories will inevitably become bigger with hard work and perseverance. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving exciting options 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 overdone the festive fare. He explained the players asked to take a day off after their recent victory but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. He explained how the side can improve. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”

5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment

The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he finished from a neat pass boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear tied up with those of their prize asset.

6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?

Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The significant tally Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem overly keen 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 Howe was surely right to question 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 penalty could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by the player's history for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a respected pundit was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the force and aggression there … it's more than just defending.”

7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality

Brentford’s first away win this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly