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

Can results be misleading? One must ask. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. As usual, the xG metric painted a different picture: reports suggest United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by solid teamwork, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward could be considered their sole standout, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. The Villa manager is wily, battle-hardened, streets ahead of his counterpart. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, it was likely because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, move infield and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.

2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United

Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games consecutively for the first time under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a routine shutout). Their keeper provided stability, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and optimism was growing. But then United returned to poor form. 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, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.

3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory

It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the final third made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win 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 winning margins will inevitably become bigger with dedication and persistence. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.

4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations

Over the festive period the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. Guardiola said his squad requested to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but he declined because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's a great city, the food is top.”

5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment

The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, 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 assurance with which he finished from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Slot’s team having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.

6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw

Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that costly trend following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Howe was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on Anthony Gordon. 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 the player's history for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a well-known analyst was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He knows the challenge is coming and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”

7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality

Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly