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

Can results be misleading? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, statistical models painted a different picture: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers may be their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is crafty, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to start wide, move infield and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, in perfect harmony.

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 managed three league games in a row for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). The goalkeeper was reassuring, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, two wins, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.

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 opposition box 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 on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees occupied a European spot in the table recently given they have played the entire season without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable 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 exciting options on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.

4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations

During the holidays the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained his squad requested to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then brief training for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in the right areas, we could create more.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. I'll visit Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is superb.”

5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow

Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the confidence with which he converted from an incisive ball was highly promising. 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 perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having snuck up on the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.

6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw

Managers often moan about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s inability to hold onto 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 match officials not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the doubt informed by the player's history for being very clever at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? Comments by a former England striker was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”

7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality

Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “I spent nine years 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 pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly