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

Do the final scores be misleading? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, alongside the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, the xG metric was unimpressed: analysis indicates 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 solid teamwork, shrewd management and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward might just be their sole standout, but he is performing with festive regularity. Unai Emery is wily, seasoned, five years ahead of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, cut in and exploit the space. Talent and management, working together.

2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United

Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United went back to black. Eight games, only two victories, six games without a win. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. 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 an evening fixture on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the opposition box made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with key attackers absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees sat fifth in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories will inevitably grow more comfortable with dedication and persistence. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.

4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations

Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained the team wanted to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but he declined because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. He explained how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is superb.”

5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow

The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he clipped in from a neat pass boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a rash challenge, was a major worry for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.

6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea

Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. Their manager 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 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 penalty could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by past incidents for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a well-known analyst was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “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. A 99.17% Certainty

Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for their manager. Rather than celebrate, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly