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

Are match outcomes tell the whole story? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, the xG metric sided with the opposition: reports suggest United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star might just be their sole standout, but he is performing like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is shrewd, experienced, five years ahead of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because the coach had detected that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, cut in and torment him. 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 consecutively for the first time under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.

3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind

It was an evening fixture on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton occupied a European spot in the table recently given they have played the entire season without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he relished a hard-fought three points and a return to the top of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed 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 elite players, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.

4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations

On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said the players asked to take a day off after their latest win but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in the right areas, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is top.”

5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment

Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he clipped in from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their record signing.

6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw

Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season is a prime example. Their manager 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 had to settle for a point in. 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 12-yard award could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by the player's history for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a former England striker was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “He knows the challenge is coming and he braces for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the force and aggression there … it's more than just defending.”

7. A 99.17% Certainty

Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly