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

Do the final scores be misleading? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by several measures – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by cohesive units, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star might just be their only star, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. Unai Emery is crafty, experienced, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, cut in and exploit the space. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.

2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short

Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games in a row for the first time under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at home, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.

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

It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table recently given they have played all term 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 deficiency should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated that winning margins will inevitably become bigger with dedication and persistence. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.

4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City

On Christmas Day the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed his squad requested to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and after three days off, then brief training for the next fixture. He explained how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, we could be more potent.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”

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

The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he finished from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the image of him leaving immediately, following a rash challenge, was a huge concern for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having quietly moved into the top four, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear heavily dependent on those of their prize asset.

6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw

Managers often moan about debatable rulings as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous 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 costly trend following his side’s collapse from 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 on-field referee and VAR 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 defender the doubt informed by the player's history for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a former England striker was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … it constitutes a foul.”

7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality

Brentford’s first away win this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly