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

Can results tell the whole story? It's a valid query. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by several measures – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. As usual, statistical models sided with the opposition: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers might just be their only star, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. The Villa manager is wily, experienced, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from a positional error, that was probably because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, drive inside and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.

2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers

Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. Eight games, two wins, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever looking like winning. Yes, their forward scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.

3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory

It was a late Saturday start on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is astonishing that David Moyes’s side occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. 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 needing to win ugly.

4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City

During the holidays the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed the team wanted to take a day off after their latest win but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. 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’m good at reading what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in optimal spots, we could be more potent.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, the food is top.”

5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment

The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he finished from good service looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for 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 solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their prize asset.

6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw

Managers often moan about debatable rulings as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that costly trend 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 right to question a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by past incidents for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a respected pundit was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”

7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality

Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – possibly kindly – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly