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

Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? One must ask. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star may be their primary talisman, but he is performing with festive regularity. Unai Emery is wily, battle-hardened, five years ahead of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, move infield and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, combining effectively.

2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short

Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games on the bounce for the first time under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.

3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory

It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played all term without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he relished a hard-fought three points and a return to the top of the table, the problem should be just as worrying given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated that victories will inevitably be more emphatic 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 exciting options on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.

4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions

On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained the team wanted to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and after three days off, then 48 hours of preparation for the Nottingham Forest game. He explained how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading 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 have holidays with the family to relax. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”

5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment

Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he finished from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a rash challenge, was a huge concern for Arne Slot and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear tied up with those of their record signing.

6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea

Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. Their manager certainly did not seem too willing to mention that problematic pattern 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 justified in criticising 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 penalty could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the leeway informed by past incidents for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? Analysis from a former England striker was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting 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 first away win this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly