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

Are match outcomes be misleading? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak continued against Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, the xG metric painted a different picture: reports suggest United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. The young forward may be their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is crafty, battle-hardened, five years ahead of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because the coach had detected that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, cut in and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.

2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United

When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They had won three league games in a row for the initial occasion under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United went back to black. Eight games, only two victories, six games without a win. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve how to claim three points.

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

It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable with hard work and perseverance. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.

4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions

On Christmas Day the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed the team wanted to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then brief training for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in the right areas, we could create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's a great city, the food is excellent.”

5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow

The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he converted from good service was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he could be in for a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having quietly moved into the top four, putting together a string of positive results highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.

6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw

Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The significant tally Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. Their manager certainly did not seem too willing to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Howe was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on the England international. 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 very clever at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a well-known analyst was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he braces for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the strength of the challenge there … it constitutes a foul.”

7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality

Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly