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1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass

Can results tell the whole story? That is the question. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. Statistically, they were inferior by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, the xG metric painted a different picture: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star may be their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. The Villa manager is wily, seasoned, five years ahead of his counterpart. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, it was likely because the manager identified that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to begin on the flank, drive inside and exploit the space. Talent and management, working together.

2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers

Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under Ruben Amorim. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, their forward line sparked and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever looking like winning. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), 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 evening fixture on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that Everton 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 their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and a return to the top 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 a little early in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.

4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions

During the holidays the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained the team wanted to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in the right areas, we could create more.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is excellent.”

5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow

The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he clipped in from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with the Reds having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.

6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw

Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem overly keen 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 Howe was surely right to question 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 changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a well-known analyst was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He knows the challenge is coming and he braces for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the force and aggression there … it's more than just defending.”

7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality

Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly