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1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist

Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? One must ask. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, statistical models sided with the opposition: 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 collective effort, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward may be their only star, but he is performing as a timely gift. The Villa manager is wily, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, drive inside and torment him. Skill and strategy, combining effectively.

2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short

Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, two wins, six games without a win. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to win consistently.

3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind

It was an evening fixture on the holiday period but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the entire season without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably become bigger with dedication and persistence. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.

4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations

Over the festive period the City manager will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said the team wanted to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. He explained how improvements can be made. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, we could create more.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's highly recommended, the food is top.”

5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow

The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the confidence with which he finished from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, following a rash challenge, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. There are fears Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having quietly moved into the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.

6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw

Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet the Magpies' boss 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 doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a respected pundit was interesting. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He knows the challenge is coming and he's ready. I think he’s ready to go down. But the force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”

7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves

Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly