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1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist

Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – a lower shot count (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. As usual, the xG metric painted a different picture: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers may be their sole standout, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. The Villa manager is shrewd, seasoned, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, drive inside and cause him problems. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.

2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short

Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a routine shutout). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, 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. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.

3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit

It was an 8pm kick-off on the festive weekend 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 the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton sat fifth in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he relished a hard-fought three points and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic with graft and determination. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.

4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions

On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained his squad requested to take a day off after their latest win but he declined because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, work for those who didn't feature, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. He explained how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in the right areas, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's a great city, the food is excellent.”

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

Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he finished from good service looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a significant blow for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he could be in for a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear inextricably linked to those of their record signing.

6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea

Managers often moan about debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The significant tally Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. Their manager certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. 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 12-yard award could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by past incidents for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a former England striker was interesting. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact 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 the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly