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1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist

Do the final scores sometimes deceive? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by multiple metrics – a lower shot count (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by collective effort, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers could be considered their only star, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is crafty, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, that was probably because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, drive inside and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.

2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United

When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year 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 holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that Everton sat fifth in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with international stars, 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 monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained the players asked to have a rest day after their latest win but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and after three days off, then 48 hours of preparation for the Nottingham Forest game. He explained how they can get better. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in these positions, we could be more potent.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's a great city, the food is excellent.”

5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment

Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he clipped in from a neat pass was highly promising. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a major worry for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent perform at his best again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.

6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?

Managers often moan about contentious refereeing decisions 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. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem too willing to mention that costly trend following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Howe was surely correct to highlight 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 swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the leeway informed by past incidents for being skilled at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a well-known analyst was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he braces for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … it constitutes a foul.”

7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves

Brentford’s first away win this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly