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

Are match outcomes tell the whole story? One must ask. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by several measures – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: according to data 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, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward could be considered their primary talisman, but he is performing like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is wily, battle-hardened, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, it was likely because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to start wide, drive inside and exploit the space. Skill and strategy, combining effectively.

2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United

Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games in a row for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, only two victories, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.

3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory

It was an evening fixture on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the opposition box made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that Everton were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he relished a hard-fought three points and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.

4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City

On Christmas Day the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He revealed the players asked to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and following a short break, then brief training for the next fixture. He explained how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is top.”

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 invested heavily for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he clipped in from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. Reports suggest Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Liverpool having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.

6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea

Managers often complain about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem too willing to mention that costly trend following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet Howe was surely right to question a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by the player's history for being very clever at drawing contact and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a respected pundit was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “He knows the challenge is coming and he's ready. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the force and aggression there … it's more than just defending.”

7. A 99.17% Certainty

Brentford’s first away win this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly