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

Can results sometimes deceive? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak continued against Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) painted a different picture: reports suggest United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by cohesive units, shrewd management and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star might just be their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is wily, seasoned, five years ahead of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, that was probably because the manager identified that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, move infield and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, working together.

2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short

Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, 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. In a run of eight matches, two wins, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to win consistently.

3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory

It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue was expected with creative forces absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is remarkable that Everton sat fifth in the table recently given they have played the entire season without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he relished a hard-fought three points and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. He stated that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable with graft and determination. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.

4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions

Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained the team wanted to enjoy a break after their recent victory but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”

5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment

Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, 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 confidence with which he finished from an incisive ball boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Slot’s team having snuck up on the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak highlighted by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their prospects appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.

6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw

Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss 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 justified in criticising a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the benefit of considerable doubt informed by the player's history for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a respected pundit was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” he said. “He knows the challenge is coming and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the nature of the contact 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 their manager. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly