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1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United

Do the final scores sometimes deceive? 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 multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, expected goals (xG) painted a different picture: reports suggest United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star might just be their primary talisman, but he is performing like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is wily, experienced, significantly more advanced of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, that was probably because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, move infield and exploit the space. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.

2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short

When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games consecutively for the first time under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. In a run of eight matches, two wins, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.

3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind

It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is surprising that Everton were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories will inevitably grow more comfortable with dedication and persistence. 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 relying on grinding out wins.

4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions

On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He revealed the players asked to have a rest day after their recent victory but he declined because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then brief training for the upcoming match. 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 these positions, we could create more.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”

5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow

The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to break tight games with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he converted from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.

6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?

Managers often complain about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem too willing to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely right to question a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by past incidents for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? The take of a respected pundit was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle and he braces for it. I think he’s ready to go down. 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 relief for their manager. 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 beyond dire; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly