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1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist

Can results sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, the xG metric sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star could be considered their only star, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. The Villa manager is crafty, battle-hardened, streets ahead of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from a defensive lapse, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to start wide, move infield and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.

2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers

Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. 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 (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United went back to black. Eight games, only two victories, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.

3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind

It was an evening fixture on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees occupied a European spot in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he savoured a deserved win and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be just as worrying given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable with dedication and persistence. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.

4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations

On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained his squad requested to have a rest day after their recent victory but he declined because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. He explained how they can get better. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”

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 confidence with which he finished from good service was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he could be in for a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having quietly moved into the upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.

6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea

Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem too willing to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a respected pundit was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming and he's ready. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the force and aggression there … it's more than just defending.”

7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality

Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly