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

Are match outcomes tell the whole story? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. Statistically, they were inferior by multiple metrics – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, statistical models painted a different picture: reports suggest United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers could be considered their primary talisman, but he is performing as a timely gift. Unai Emery is wily, battle-hardened, five years ahead of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from a positional error, it was likely because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, cut in and cause him problems. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.

2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers

Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were solid results – 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, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, 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 gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to secure victories.

3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory

It was an evening fixture on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is astonishing that David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he relished a hard-fought three points and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results will inevitably become bigger with hard work and perseverance. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.

4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City

On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said the players asked to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then brief training for the upcoming match. He explained how the side can improve. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is excellent.”

5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment

The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he finished from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he could be in for a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.

6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?

Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem too willing to mention that costly trend following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely correct to highlight 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 spot-kick could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the leeway informed by past incidents for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? Comments by a well-known analyst was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He's prepared for the impact and he's ready. I think he’s ready to go down. But the force and aggression there … that’s not shielding the ball.”

7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality

Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly