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1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist

Are match outcomes tell the whole story? That is the question. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, the xG metric sided with the opposition: reports suggest United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers could be considered their sole standout, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is crafty, battle-hardened, streets ahead of the United boss. If Rogers profited from a positional error, it was likely because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, move infield and exploit the space. Talent and management, combining effectively.

2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United

When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to claim three points.

3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind

It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and a return to the top of the table, the problem should be just as worrying given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably become bigger with hard work and perseverance. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.

4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions

During the holidays the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He revealed his squad requested to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but he declined because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then brief training for the next fixture. He explained how the side can improve. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could be more potent.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, the food is superb.”

5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow

Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he finished from good service looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see such a gifted player perform at his best again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having snuck up on the top four, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.

6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw

Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. 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 collapse from 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 match officials 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 swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? The take of a well-known analyst was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … that’s not shielding the ball.”

7. A 99.17% Certainty

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; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly