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1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United

Are match outcomes tell the whole story? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, statistical models was unimpressed: reports suggest United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers could be considered their only star, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, battle-hardened, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, cut in and cause him problems. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.

2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short

Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games consecutively for the first time under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.

3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind

It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that Everton were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. 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 relying on grinding out wins.

4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations

Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said the players asked to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”

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

Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to break tight games with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the confidence with which he converted from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player perform at his best again. Reports suggest Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Slot’s team having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their prize asset.

6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea

Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that costly trend following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a respected pundit was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming and he braces for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”

7. A 99.17% Certainty

Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond professionalism. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly