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

Do the final scores sometimes deceive? That is the question. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – a lower shot count (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, the xG metric sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star may be their only star, but he is performing with festive regularity. Unai Emery is wily, seasoned, significantly more advanced of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, this was almost certainly because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to start wide, cut in and exploit the space. Talent and management, combining effectively.

2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short

Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games consecutively for the first time under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United went back to black. Eight games, two wins, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.

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

It was an evening fixture on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the opposition box made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side occupied a European spot in the table recently given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated that winning margins will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.

4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions

On Christmas Day the City manager will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed the players asked to have a rest day after their recent victory but he declined because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how they can get better. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in the right areas, we could create more.” 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 top.”

5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment

Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to break tight games with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the confidence with which he clipped in from a neat pass boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and a shame for any neutral who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg 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 featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their record signing.

6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?

Managers often moan about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Howe was surely right to question a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a former England striker was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the force and aggression there … that’s not shielding the ball.”

7. A 99.17% Certainty

Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly