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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, alongside the lingering concerns. Statistically, they were inferior by multiple metrics – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. As usual, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star could be considered their primary talisman, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is wily, seasoned, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, cut in and torment him. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.

2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short

Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under their manager. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they conceded soft goals. After 13 months in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.

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

It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table not long ago given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins will inevitably become bigger with hard work and perseverance. But it is fairly soon 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 Festive City Investigations

During the holidays the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. Guardiola said the players asked to take a day off after their recent victory but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, sessions for the fringe men, and after three days off, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. He explained how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in the right areas, we could create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, the food is superb.”

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

The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was exactly what Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he clipped in from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a rash challenge, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a string of positive results highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their prize asset.

6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw

Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season seems a case in point. Their manager certainly did not seem too willing to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely right to question a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever 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 braces for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the strength of the challenge there … that’s not shielding the ball.”

7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality

Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – perhaps generously – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly