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

Are match outcomes be misleading? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was a slender one. As usual, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: 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 cohesive units, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward may be their primary talisman, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. The Villa manager is crafty, experienced, streets ahead of his counterpart. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, drive inside and exploit the space. Individual brilliance and coaching, in perfect harmony.

2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United

Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under their manager. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture 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. After 13 months in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to claim three points.

3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind

It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a forgettable match. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team on his own. In many respects it is surprising that Everton were in fifth place in the table not long ago 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 reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be equally concerning given their title aspirations in the Premier League. The manager claimed that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable with dedication and persistence. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.

4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions

Over the festive period the Catalan coach will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said the team wanted to take a day off after their recent victory but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. He explained how improvements can be made. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in the right areas, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”

5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment

Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he converted from a neat pass was highly promising. So the image of him leaving immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and a shame for any neutral who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he could be in for a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with Slot’s team having quietly moved into the upper echelons, putting together a string of positive results bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their prize asset.

6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?

Managers often moan about controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that costly trend following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Howe was surely right to question a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the doubt informed by the player's history for being expert at drawing contact and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a well-known analyst was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He knows the challenge is coming and he's ready. I think he intends to hit the deck. 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. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly