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

Do the final scores sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, the xG metric was unimpressed: reports suggest United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star may be their sole standout, but he is performing like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is crafty, seasoned, five years ahead of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, that was probably because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to start wide, move infield and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, in perfect harmony.

2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short

Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They had won three league games consecutively for the first time under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United went back to black. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six missed opportunities. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. 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 a late Saturday start on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with creative forces absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign 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 title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably become bigger with dedication and persistence. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.

4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions

On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. Guardiola said the players asked to enjoy a break after their latest win but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is top.”

5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment

Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was precisely the reason Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he clipped in from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having snuck up on the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.

6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw

Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem too willing to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a respected pundit was interesting. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”

7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves

Brentford’s first away win this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly