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1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist

Can results sometimes deceive? One must ask. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. As usual, the xG metric painted a different picture: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers may be their only star, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is crafty, seasoned, five years ahead of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because the coach had detected that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to start wide, drive inside and exploit the space. Skill and strategy, working together.

2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers

Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games in a row for the first time under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever looking like winning. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to secure victories.

3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind

It was a late Saturday start on the festive weekend but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he relished a hard-fought three points and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably become bigger with dedication and persistence. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with elite players, 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 Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained his squad requested to enjoy a break after their recent victory but he declined because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. He explained how the side can improve. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is top.”

5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow

Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he clipped in from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, 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 long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.

6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?

Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem overly keen 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 referee not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a former England striker was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming and he's ready. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”

7. A 99.17% Certainty

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 started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly