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

Can results sometimes deceive? One must ask. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by several measures – less attempts (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, statistical models sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers could be considered their primary talisman, but he is performing as a timely gift. Unai Emery is wily, seasoned, streets ahead of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to start wide, drive inside and exploit the space. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.

2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short

When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games consecutively for the first time under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) 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 optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. Eight games, only two victories, six games without a win. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.

3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory

It was an evening fixture on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable 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 their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. 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 needing to win ugly.

4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations

Over the festive period the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said the players asked to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and after three days off, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”

5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win

The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he clipped in from good service boded superbly. So the sight of him departing 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 hit full tilt again. There are fears Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having snuck up on the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their record signing.

6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw

Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they want to keep private. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing to mention that unfortunate habit 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 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 their winger. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a respected pundit was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. 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 a welcome result for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly