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1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist

Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, statistical models sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by collective effort, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa have all three. The young forward could be considered their sole standout, but he is performing as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is wily, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of the United boss. If Rogers profited from a positional error, that was probably because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, drive inside and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, in perfect harmony.

2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short

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 initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six missed opportunities. 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 missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to claim three points.

3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind

It was an evening fixture on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees sat fifth in the table recently given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories will inevitably become bigger with hard work and perseverance. But it is a little early 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

On Christmas Day the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained the players asked to enjoy a break after their recent victory but he declined because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and after three days off, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is superb.”

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

Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he clipped in from good service boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having quietly moved into the top four, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear tied up with those of their prize asset.

6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?

Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they want to keep private. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that costly trend following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. 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 Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by past incidents for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a respected pundit was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he braces for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”

7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality

Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for their manager. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly