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1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist

Can results be misleading? One must ask. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – a lower shot count (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, expected goals (xG) was unimpressed: reports suggest United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, shrewd management and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star could be considered their only star, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is crafty, seasoned, significantly more advanced of the United boss. Should Rogers have benefited from a defensive lapse, it was likely because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, cut in and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, working together.

2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers

Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans felt optimism return. They secured three league games consecutively for the first time under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, only two victories, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to claim three points.

3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind

It was an evening fixture on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas 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 astonishing that the Toffees sat fifth in the table two weeks earlier given they have played all term without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their ambitions for the Premier League. He stated that victories will inevitably be more emphatic with graft and determination. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.

4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations

On Christmas Day the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He revealed the players asked to take a day off after their recent victory but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and after three days off, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in these positions, we could create more.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”

5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment

Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he finished from good service was highly promising. So the image of him leaving immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having quietly moved into the top four, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear inextricably linked to those of their record signing.

6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw

Managers often complain about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. Their manager certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s inability to hold onto 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 blatant body check on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? Comments by a respected pundit was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”

7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality

Brentford’s first away win this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. Instead of reveling in the win, 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 – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly