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

Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? One must ask. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward might just be their sole standout, but he is performing like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is wily, experienced, five years ahead of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, drive inside and torment him. Skill and strategy, in perfect harmony.

2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short

Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games consecutively for the first time under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year 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 evening fixture on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees occupied a European spot 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 relished a hard-fought three points and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories will inevitably grow more comfortable with dedication and persistence. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.

4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City

Over the festive period the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He revealed the players asked to enjoy a break after their recent victory but he refused because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, sessions for the fringe men, and after three days off, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in the right areas, we could create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's highly recommended, the food is superb.”

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

The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the assurance with which he converted from good service boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a significant blow for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their record signing.

6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea

Managers often complain about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem too willing to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. 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 penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by past incidents for being skilled at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a well-known analyst was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”

7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves

Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for their manager. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly