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

Are match outcomes tell the whole story? It's a valid query. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by several measures – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, statistical models was unimpressed: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star might just be their only star, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is crafty, seasoned, significantly more advanced of the United boss. If Rogers profited from a defensive lapse, it was likely because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, cut in and torment him. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.

2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United

When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.

3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory

It was a late Saturday start on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish failing to inspire an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton occupied a European spot 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 flaw should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic with graft and determination. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.

4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions

On Christmas Day the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed his squad requested to have a rest day after their recent victory but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. The manager outlined how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”

5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow

Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he finished from good service boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a major worry for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures 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 featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their prize asset.

6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea

Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Howe was surely right to question a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on their winger. 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 very clever at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? The take of a respected pundit was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he braces for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”

7. A 99.17% Certainty

Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – possibly kindly – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly