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

Can results tell the whole story? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. As usual, statistical models was unimpressed: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star could be considered their only star, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, seasoned, streets ahead of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, it was likely because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, move infield and torment him. Skill and strategy, working together.

2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers

Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under their manager. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to influential figures), but they conceded soft goals. After 13 months in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to win consistently.

3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind

It was a late Saturday start on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that David Moyes’s side 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 their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. But it is a little early 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. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City

Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed the players asked to enjoy a break after their latest win but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's a great city, the food is excellent.”

5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow

The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the assurance with which he finished from good service boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with the Reds having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their prize asset.

6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?

Managers often complain about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. 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 blatant body check on the England international. 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 the player's history for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? Comments by a respected pundit was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He's prepared for the impact and he's ready. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”

7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves

Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly