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1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist

Can results tell the whole story? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, the xG metric was unimpressed: reports suggest United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. The young forward could be considered their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. The Villa manager is crafty, seasoned, five years ahead of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from a positional error, it was likely 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, combining effectively.

2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short

Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six games without a win. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve how to claim three points.

3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory

It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with creative forces absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton sat fifth in the table not long ago given they have played all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable with hard work and perseverance. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.

4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations

During the holidays the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He explained the players asked to have a rest day after their latest win but he declined because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”

5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow

Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he converted from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a major worry for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Slot’s team having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear heavily dependent on those of their prize asset.

6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea

Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points 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 problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. 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 clear obstruction on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a former England striker was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he’s ready to go down. But the force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”

7. A 99.17% Certainty

Brentford’s first away win this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly