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

Do the final scores be misleading? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak continued against Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, the xG metric was unimpressed: reports suggest United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. The young forward could be considered their only star, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. The Villa manager is wily, experienced, significantly more advanced of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from a defensive lapse, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, drive inside and cause him problems. Individual brilliance and coaching, combining effectively.

2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United

Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games in a row for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, two wins, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture 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 hit by fitness issues (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. Following over a year in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to claim three points.

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 drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that David Moyes’s side occupied a European spot 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 enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably become bigger with dedication and persistence. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.

4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations

Over the festive period the City manager will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained his squad requested to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but he declined because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and after three days off, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. He explained how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in the right areas, we could create more.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is superb.”

5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow

Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the assurance with which he converted from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the image of him leaving immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for Arne Slot and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has suffered a broken leg and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Slot’s team having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run bookended by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.

6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea

Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The significant tally Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that costly trend following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being skilled at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a respected pundit was notable. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … it constitutes a foul.”

7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality

Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he started his career with. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly