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

Do the final scores sometimes deceive? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by multiple metrics – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, the xG metric painted a different picture: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers may be their primary talisman, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. The Villa manager is wily, seasoned, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to begin on the flank, drive inside and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.

2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers

Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games consecutively for the first time under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were superior for large periods without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.

3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind

It was an evening fixture on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with creative forces absent, and Jack Grealish failing to inspire an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.

4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions

On Christmas Day the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said his squad requested to have a rest day after their recent victory but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. He explained how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing 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 will be on vacation with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's highly recommended, the food is top.”

5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment

Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to break tight games with his movement and range of finishing, and the assurance with which he finished from good service was highly promising. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a rash challenge, was a huge concern for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having snuck up on the top four, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their prize asset.

6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw

Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem particularly eager 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 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 the England international. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a respected pundit was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He's prepared for the impact and he braces for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … it constitutes a foul.”

7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality

Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled relief for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly