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

Do the final scores tell the whole story? One must ask. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. Statistically, they were inferior by multiple metrics – a lower shot count (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers could be considered their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is wily, battle-hardened, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, move infield and torment him. Skill and strategy, working together.

2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United

Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games consecutively for the first time 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 (in front of their own fans, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. Eight games, two wins, six games without a win. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to influential figures), but they conceded soft goals. After 13 months in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.

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

It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with key attackers absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees occupied a European spot in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated that victories 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 elite players, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.

4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City

Over the festive period the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He revealed the team wanted to enjoy a break after their latest win but he declined because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the Nottingham Forest game. He explained how they can get better. “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'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is superb.”

5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow

The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like a statement. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he finished from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for Arne Slot and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player hit full tilt again. It is believed 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 the Reds having quietly moved into the upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear heavily dependent on those of their prize asset.

6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw

Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. 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 clear obstruction on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at drawing contact and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a respected pundit was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming and he's ready. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … that’s not shielding the ball.”

7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves

Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, 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 – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly