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1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist

Do the final scores sometimes deceive? One must ask. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (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 decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers may be their sole standout, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. Unai Emery is crafty, seasoned, streets ahead of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from a positional error, it was likely because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to start wide, move infield and torment him. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.

2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United

Back in October after defeating 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. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. Eight games, two wins, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.

3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory

It was an evening fixture on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees sat fifth in the table recently given they have played the entire season without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated 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 dependent on scrappy victories.

4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City

On Christmas Day the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He revealed the players asked to take a day off after their latest win but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in these positions, we could be more potent.” Guardiola will also 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 top.”

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

Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, as a turning point. This was the very purpose 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 boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt 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 major blow with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their prospects 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 shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Howe was surely right to question a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? The take of a respected pundit was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming and he braces for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the nature of the contact there … that’s not shielding the ball.”

7. A 99.17% Certainty

Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for their manager. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly