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

Can results be misleading? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak continued against Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, statistical models was unimpressed: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa have all three. Villa's emerging star could be considered their sole standout, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is crafty, seasoned, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, it was likely because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, move infield and exploit the space. Talent and management, in perfect harmony.

2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers

Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games in a row for the first time under their manager. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. Eight games, two wins, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. After 13 months in England, the manager has yet to solve how to claim three points.

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

It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the opposition box 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 on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable with graft and determination. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.

4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations

During the holidays the City manager will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said the players asked to enjoy a break after their recent victory but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then brief training for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in these positions, we could be more potent.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family and champagne. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”

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

Isak's clinical effort 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 decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he converted from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and a shame for any neutral 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 Liverpool having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by 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 debatable rulings as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe 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 had to settle for a point in. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the doubt informed by the player's history for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a former England striker was revealing. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he braces for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”

7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality

Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly