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

Can results be misleading? One must ask. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, expected goals (xG) 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 solid teamwork, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers may be their sole standout, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. The Villa manager is wily, experienced, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, move infield and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.

2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short

When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games in a row for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, their forward line sparked and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six missed opportunities. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to key players), 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 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas 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 Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees sat fifth 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 title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.

4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City

Over the festive period the City manager will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He revealed his squad requested to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and after three days off, then brief training for the upcoming match. He explained how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends 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 brief instant, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he clipped in from a neat pass was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for Arne Slot and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season 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 diverting the narrative from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. Their manager 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 eventually tied. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by past incidents for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a respected pundit was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he's ready. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the force and aggression there … it's more than just defending.”

7. A 99.17% Certainty

Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly