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

Are match outcomes be misleading? One must ask. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. Statistically, they were inferior by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, statistical models was unimpressed: according to data United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star might just be their primary talisman, but he is performing with festive regularity. Unai Emery is wily, seasoned, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, that was probably because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to start wide, drive inside and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.

2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short

Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games in a row for the first time under the Portuguese coach. 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 routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, their forward scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve how to claim three points.

3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit

It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories will inevitably be more emphatic with hard work and perseverance. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.

4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations

Over the festive period the City manager will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed the team wanted to enjoy a break after their latest win but he declined because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in these positions, we could create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – 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 the very purpose Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he converted from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear heavily dependent on those of their prize asset.

6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?

Managers often moan about debatable rulings as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. Their manager certainly did not seem too willing 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 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 the England international. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by the player's history for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a respected pundit was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he's ready. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”

7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality

Brentford’s first away win this season spelled joy for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly