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

Do the final scores sometimes deceive? That is the question. Villa's run of victories persisted with a win over Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. As usual, statistical models painted a different picture: according to data United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are not won by xG. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers might just be their primary talisman, but he is performing like Father Christmas. The Spanish tactician is wily, battle-hardened, five years ahead of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, that was probably because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, move infield and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.

2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United

When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games in a row for the initial occasion under their manager. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, only two victories, six disappointing results. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. Since his arrival in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to secure victories.

3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit

It was a late Saturday start on the Saturday before Christmas but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side were in fifth place in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.

4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations

Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He explained the team wanted to enjoy a break after their recent victory but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and after three days off, then 48 hours of preparation for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed how the side can improve. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”

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

The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he converted from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player perform at his best again. Reports suggest Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having snuck up on the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their record signing.

6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea

Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that costly trend following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Howe was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by past incidents for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? Analysis from a well-known analyst was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … that’s not shielding the ball.”

7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves

Brentford’s first away win this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their likelihood of the drop at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly