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1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist

Can results tell the whole story? One must ask. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, alongside the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, the xG metric painted a different picture: reports suggest United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star might just be their only star, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. Unai Emery is wily, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, that was probably because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, move infield and exploit the space. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.

2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers

Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, 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. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to secure victories.

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

It was an evening fixture on the festive weekend but a glaring absence of finesse in the opposition box made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees sat fifth in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. But it is somewhat premature 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. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City

During the holidays the City manager will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said the players asked to take a day off after their latest win but he refused because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and after three days off, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, we could create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”

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

The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he clipped in from good service looked extremely positive. So the image of him leaving immediately, following a rash challenge, was a major worry for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for a long time 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 heavily dependent on those of their record signing.

6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?

Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem overly keen 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 Howe was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the doubt informed by past incidents for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a respected pundit was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “He's prepared for the impact and he braces for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”

7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality

Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for their manager. Rather than celebrate, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly