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1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass

Can results tell the whole story? One must ask. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, statistical models sided with the opposition: reports suggest United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star may be their only star, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. Unai Emery is shrewd, experienced, streets ahead of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from a positional error, it was likely because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, cut in and exploit the space. Talent and management, working together.

2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United

When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They managed three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six missed opportunities. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to secure victories.

3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind

It was an evening fixture on the festive weekend but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable with dedication and persistence. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.

4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions

Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He explained his squad requested to have a rest day after their recent victory but he declined because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, the food is top.”

5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win

Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he finished from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to 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. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their record signing.

6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea

Managers often complain about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from 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 clear obstruction on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a well-known analyst was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he braces for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”

7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality

Brentford’s first away win this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly