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

Can results sometimes deceive? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. Statistically, they were inferior by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, the xG metric sided with the opposition: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star could be considered their sole standout, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. The Villa manager is shrewd, seasoned, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, that was probably because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to start wide, drive inside and torment him. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.

2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short

Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to secure victories.

3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind

It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton occupied a European spot in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results 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 quality substitutes on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.

4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations

During the holidays Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained the players asked to have a rest day after their latest win but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, the food is top.”

5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment

Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he converted from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the image of him leaving immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Liverpool having quietly moved into the top four, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season 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 wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points 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 failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. 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 clear obstruction on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a well-known analyst was revealing. “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 maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly