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

Do the final scores tell the whole story? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: 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 solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star might just be their only star, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is crafty, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, it was likely because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to start wide, drive inside and exploit the space. Skill and strategy, combining effectively.

2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers

Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They managed three league games in a row for the first time under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, their forward line sparked and optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve how to claim three points.

3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind

It was a late Saturday start on the festive weekend but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is surprising that Everton occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the entire season without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and a return to the top of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.

4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations

During the holidays the City manager will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed the team wanted to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. He explained how the side can improve. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – 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 for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is top.”

5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow

Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the assurance with which he finished from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with the Reds having quietly moved into the upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their prize asset.

6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw

Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss 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 Howe was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the leeway informed by past incidents for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? Analysis from a respected pundit was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he braces for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”

7. A 99.17% Certainty

Brentford’s first away win this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly