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

Can results tell the whole story? It's a valid query. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. As usual, the xG metric sided with the opposition: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. The young forward may be their primary talisman, but he is performing like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is shrewd, seasoned, streets ahead of the United boss. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, move infield and torment him. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.

2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United

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 the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to secure victories.

3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory

It was a late Saturday start on the festive weekend but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that Everton occupied a European spot in the table recently given they have played all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he relished a hard-fought three points and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.

4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City

On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. Guardiola said the team wanted to take a day off after their latest win but he declined because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and after three days off, then brief training for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's highly recommended, the food is top.”

5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow

Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he clipped in from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a major worry for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.

6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?

Managers often moan 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. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem too willing to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by the player's history for being skilled at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a former England striker was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle 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. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality

Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly