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1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist

Are match outcomes tell the whole story? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, expected goals (xG) painted a different picture: reports suggest United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers might just be their primary talisman, but he is performing as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is crafty, seasoned, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, that was probably because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, drive inside and torment him. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.

2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United

Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. 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 solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, 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 went back to black. Eight games, two wins, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.

3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind

It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played the entire season without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.

4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions

Over the festive period the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said the players asked to have a rest day after their recent victory but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. He explained how the side can improve. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in optimal spots, we could be more potent.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”

5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment

Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he clipped in from a neat pass was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a significant blow for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having quietly moved into the top four, putting together a six-game unbeaten run bookended by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their record signing.

6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?

Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. Their manager certainly did not seem too willing to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Howe was surely right to question a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a former England striker was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”

7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves

Brentford’s first away win this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond professionalism. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly