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

Can results tell the whole story? It's a valid query. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, statistical models sided with the opposition: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star may be their sole standout, but he is performing like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is crafty, seasoned, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to begin on the flank, cut in and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.

2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers

When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games in a row for the first time under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, their forward line sparked and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to claim three points.

3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind

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 came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table recently 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 flaw should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable with dedication and persistence. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.

4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City

During the holidays the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said the team wanted to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering 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 will be on vacation with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”

5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment

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 decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he clipped in from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a huge concern for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he could be in for a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their prize asset.

6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw

Managers often complain about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Newcastle’s manager 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 Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the benefit of considerable doubt informed by the player's history for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? Comments by a respected pundit was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He's prepared for the impact and he braces for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”

7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality

Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly