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

Do the final scores sometimes deceive? One must ask. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. Statistically, they were inferior by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, the xG metric sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, shrewd management and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. The young forward might just be their primary talisman, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. The Villa manager is shrewd, experienced, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from a defensive lapse, this was almost certainly because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to start wide, move infield and cause him problems. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.

2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short

Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans rediscovered hope. They managed three league games in a row for the first time under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they conceded soft goals. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve how to claim three points.

3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind

It was a late Saturday start on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated that victories will inevitably be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. 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 relying on grinding out wins.

4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions

Over the festive period the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. Guardiola said the players asked to have a rest day after their latest win but he declined because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and after three days off, then brief training for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how the side can improve. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is top.”

5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win

Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like a statement. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he finished from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.

6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?

Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that costly trend following his side’s inability to hold onto 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 match officials not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? The take of a former England striker was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the force and aggression there … that’s not shielding the ball.”

7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality

Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; data analysts state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly