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1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist

Can results tell the whole story? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak continued against Manchester United, alongside the lingering concerns. Statistically, they were inferior by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) painted a different picture: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers could be considered their sole standout, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. The Villa manager is shrewd, seasoned, streets ahead of his counterpart. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, drive inside and torment him. Individual brilliance and coaching, in perfect harmony.

2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short

Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were superior for large periods without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.

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 attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton sat fifth in the table not long ago given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he savoured a deserved win and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated that victories will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.

4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations

On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed his squad requested to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and after three days off, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in the right areas, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is superb.”

5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment

Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was exactly what Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he finished from good service boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. Reports suggest Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Slot’s team having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.

6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?

Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. 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 had to settle for a point in. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely right to question a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by the player's history for being skilled at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a well-known analyst was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”

7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves

Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly