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

Can results tell the whole story? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: reports suggest United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. The young forward could be considered their primary talisman, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is wily, seasoned, streets ahead of his counterpart. Should Rogers have benefited from a positional error, it was likely because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to begin on the flank, drive inside and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, in perfect harmony.

2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short

Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games on the bounce for the first time under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. Eight games, two wins, six games without a win. 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 failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they conceded soft goals. Since his arrival in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to win consistently.

3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory

It was an evening fixture on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the final third made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and Jack Grealish failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton sat fifth in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the entire season without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be equally concerning 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 fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.

4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations

On Christmas Day the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He revealed the players asked to have a rest day after their recent victory but he declined because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's a great city, the food is superb.”

5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow

Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he clipped in from good service boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with the Reds having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.

6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw

Managers often complain about debatable rulings as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing to mention that costly trend following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the leeway informed by the player's history for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? Comments by a former England striker was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the force and aggression there … it's more than just defending.”

7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality

Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – perhaps generously – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly