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1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist

Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. Statistically, they were inferior by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: 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 solid teamwork, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star could be considered their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is crafty, seasoned, significantly more advanced of the United boss. If Rogers profited from a positional error, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to start wide, move infield and exploit the space. Skill and strategy, combining effectively.

2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United

Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans rediscovered hope. They managed three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. 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, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, 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 manager has yet to solve how to claim three points.

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

It was an evening fixture on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was expected with creative forces absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be equally concerning given their ambitions for 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 elite players, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.

4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions

During the holidays Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said the team wanted to have a rest day after their recent victory but he declined because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then brief training for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing 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'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”

5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment

Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the confidence with which he clipped in from good service boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory 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 deflecting media attention from matters they want to keep private. The significant tally Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that unfortunate habit 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 referee 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 the player's history for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a respected pundit was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle and he braces 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 initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. 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 – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly