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1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist

Can results be misleading? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, statistical models painted a different picture: reports suggest United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers could be considered their only star, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is wily, battle-hardened, five years ahead of the United boss. If Rogers profited from a positional error, it was likely because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, cut in and cause him problems. Talent and management, combining effectively.

2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United

Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games in a row for the first time under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United went back to black. Eight games, only two victories, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side 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. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.

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

It was a late Saturday start on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the entire season without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with graft and determination. 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. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City

Over the festive period the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said the players asked to have a rest day after their recent victory but he declined because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family to relax. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”

5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment

Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the assurance with which he finished from good service boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent perform at his best again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he probably endures 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 string of positive results featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.

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 significant tally Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely right to question a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a respected pundit was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … it constitutes a foul.”

7. A 99.17% Certainty

Brentford’s first away win this season spelled joy for their manager. Rather than celebrate, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly