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

Are match outcomes tell the whole story? That is the question. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, statistical models was unimpressed: analysis indicates United edged it 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star could be considered their primary talisman, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is wily, experienced, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, that was probably because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to begin on the flank, cut in and exploit the space. Talent and management, working together.

2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United

Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games on the bounce for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they conceded soft goals. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to secure victories.

3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory

It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that Everton sat fifth in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he savoured a deserved win and reclaiming first place 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 graft and determination. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.

4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City

On Christmas Day the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He revealed the team wanted to have a rest day after their recent victory but he declined because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. He explained how they can get better. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in the right areas, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”

5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow

Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he finished from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the image of him leaving immediately, following a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player perform at his best again. Reports suggest Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a string of positive results featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.

6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?

Managers often moan about debatable rulings as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The significant tally Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that costly trend following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. 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 benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? The take of a well-known analyst was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He's prepared for the impact and he braces 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 initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for the Bees' boss. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly