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1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist

Do the final scores sometimes deceive? One must ask. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. Statistically, they were inferior by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, the xG metric was unimpressed: 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, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star might just be their sole standout, but he is performing with festive regularity. Unai Emery is crafty, battle-hardened, five years ahead of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, cut in and exploit the space. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.

2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United

Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games on the bounce for the first time under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.

3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit

It was an evening fixture on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. He stated 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 elite players, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.

4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions

On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained the players asked to enjoy a break after their latest win but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. The manager outlined how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in the right areas, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”

5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment

The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he converted from a neat pass boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, following a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run bookended by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.

6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea

Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Howe was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction 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 leeway informed by the player's history for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a respected pundit was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … it constitutes a foul.”

7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality

Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly