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1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist

Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak continued against Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. As usual, statistical models painted a different picture: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers might just be their only star, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. Unai Emery is wily, experienced, five years ahead of his counterpart. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, it was likely because the manager identified that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, drive inside and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.

2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers

When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games in a row for the first time under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a routine shutout). Senne Lammens looked solid, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they conceded soft goals. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.

3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory

It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and reclaiming first place of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with graft and determination. 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 dependent on scrappy victories.

4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations

Over the festive period the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained the players asked to enjoy a break after their latest win but he declined because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – 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 an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he clipped in from good service was highly promising. So the image of him leaving immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and a shame for any neutral who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, 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 record signing.

6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw

Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s failure to protect 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 the England international. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at drawing contact and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a former England striker was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the force and aggression there … that’s not shielding the ball.”

7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves

Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – perhaps generously – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly