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1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist

Do the final scores be misleading? That is the question. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, the xG metric painted a different picture: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers could be considered their only star, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is shrewd, battle-hardened, streets ahead of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from a positional error, that was probably because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, drive inside and torment him. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.

2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United

When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games on the bounce for the first time under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. Eight games, only two victories, six missed opportunities. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to influential figures), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to claim three points.

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

It was an evening fixture on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the entire season without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be just as worrying given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable with graft and determination. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.

4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions

During the holidays Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said the team wanted to enjoy a break after their latest win but he declined because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family to relax. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is superb.”

5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment

Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, as a turning point. 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 finished from good service looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Liverpool having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear inextricably linked to those of their record signing.

6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?

Managers often moan about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. Their manager certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that costly trend following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet the Magpies' boss 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 the England international. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the leeway informed by the player's history for being skilled at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a well-known analyst was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the force and aggression there … it's more than just defending.”

7. A 99.17% Certainty

Brentford’s first away win this season spelled a welcome result 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 truly alarming; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly