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1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United

Do the final scores be misleading? One must ask. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by several measures – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, statistical models sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. The young forward could be considered their only star, but he is performing like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is crafty, battle-hardened, streets ahead of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to start wide, move infield and exploit the space. Skill and strategy, working together.

2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short

Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games in a row for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to win consistently.

3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory

It was an evening fixture on the festive weekend but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that Everton were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins 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 world-class talents, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.

4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City

During the holidays Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained the players asked to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but he declined because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. 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 these positions, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – 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 an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he clipped in from a neat pass was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and a shame for any neutral who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Liverpool having snuck up on the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their prize asset.

6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea

Managers often moan about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. Their manager certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that costly trend following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the match officials 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 changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by the player's history for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a former England striker was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the strength of the challenge there … that’s not shielding the ball.”

7. A 99.17% Certainty

Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – perhaps generously – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly