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

Can results be misleading? One must ask. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, statistical models was unimpressed: reports suggest 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, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers could be considered their primary talisman, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. Unai Emery is wily, seasoned, streets ahead of the United boss. If Rogers profited from a positional error, that was probably because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, drive inside and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, in perfect harmony.

2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United

Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games in a row for the maiden instance under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, 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. In a run of eight matches, two wins, six games without a win. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to secure victories.

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

It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton sat fifth in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories 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 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

During the holidays the Catalan coach will check the weights 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 the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then brief training for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” 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

Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he finished from good service was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a rash challenge, was a huge concern for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.

6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea

Managers often moan about debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Howe was surely right to question a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by past incidents for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? The take of a well-known analyst was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”

7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality

Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly