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1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist

Can results sometimes deceive? That is the question. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – 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. Consistently, the xG metric was unimpressed: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. The young forward might just be their primary talisman, but he is performing as a timely gift. Unai Emery is wily, battle-hardened, streets ahead of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, drive inside and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, in perfect harmony.

2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United

When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United went back to black. Eight games, only two victories, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. 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 distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a drab affair. 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 remarkable that the Toffees occupied a European spot in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.

4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions

On Christmas Day the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed his squad requested to have a rest day after their latest win but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could be more potent.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family to relax. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”

5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment

Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like an arrival. This was exactly what Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he clipped in from good service was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a rash challenge, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with the Reds having quietly moved into the upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.

6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea

Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the benefit of considerable doubt informed by the player's history for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? Analysis from 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 looking for the foul. But the force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”

7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality

Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; data analysts state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly