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

Can results be misleading? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak continued against Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – a lower shot count (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: 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 collective effort, shrewd management and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers might just be their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is wily, seasoned, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from a positional error, it was likely because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, move infield and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, in perfect harmony.

2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short

Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, their forward line sparked and optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.

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

It was an 8pm kick-off on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the opposition box made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with key attackers absent, and their star man unable to spark an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table not long ago given they have played all term without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. He stated that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable with hard work and perseverance. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.

4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations

During the holidays the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He revealed the team wanted to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but he declined because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then brief training for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed how they can get better. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family and champagne. I'll visit Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is top.”

5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment

The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he clipped in from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Slot’s team having quietly moved into the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.

6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea

Managers often moan about debatable rulings as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely correct to highlight 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 12-yard award could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by past incidents for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a former England striker was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”

7. A 99.17% Certainty

Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly