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1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist

Can results be misleading? One must ask. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – less attempts (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, the xG metric painted a different picture: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers could be considered their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is wily, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, cut in and exploit the space. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.

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 consecutively for the first time under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. Since his arrival in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to claim three points.

3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory

It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he relished a hard-fought three points and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins will inevitably become bigger with hard work and perseverance. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.

4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions

On Christmas Day the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said the players asked to take a day off after their latest win but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”

5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment

Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, 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 converted from good service was highly promising. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a significant blow for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans 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 extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team 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 heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.

6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw

Managers often moan 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 dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that unfortunate habit 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 match officials 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 Chelsea defender the doubt informed by past incidents for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a former England striker was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he's ready. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”

7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves

Brentford’s first away win this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly