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1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist

Are match outcomes tell the whole story? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, statistical models was unimpressed: analysis indicates 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 boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star may be their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, experienced, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, it was likely because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to start wide, cut in and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, working together.

2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers

Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They managed three league games in a row for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. Eight games, only two victories, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to win consistently.

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

It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the opposition box made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side occupied a European spot in the table not long ago given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. 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 needing to win ugly.

4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions

On Christmas Day the City manager will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained the team wanted to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. He explained how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family and champagne. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is superb.”

5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow

Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he clipped in from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see such a gifted player perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having snuck up on the top four, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.

6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea

Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. 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 had to settle for a point in. Yet Howe 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 Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being skilled at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a well-known analyst was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”

7. A 99.17% Certainty

Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly