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

Do the final scores be misleading? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak continued against Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, statistical models painted a different picture: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star may be their primary talisman, but he is performing as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is wily, seasoned, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, this was almost certainly because the coach had detected that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to start wide, move infield and cause him problems. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.

2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United

Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games in a row for the first time under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, their forward scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. After 13 months 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 noticeable shortage of fluency in the opposition box made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton occupied a European spot in the table not long ago given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he relished a hard-fought three points and a return to the top of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable with dedication and persistence. 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 Festive City Investigations

On Christmas Day the City manager will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said the team wanted to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and after three days off, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. He explained how improvements can be made. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in the right areas, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends 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 top.”

5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment

Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was precisely the reason Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he clipped in from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Liverpool having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear tied up with those of their prize asset.

6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?

Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The significant tally Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season seems a case in point. Their manager certainly did not seem too willing to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the referee 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 defender the leeway informed by the player's history for being expert at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a well-known analyst was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … that’s not shielding the ball.”

7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves

Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – perhaps generously – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly