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

Do the final scores be misleading? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. They were the lesser team by multiple metrics – fewer shots (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, statistical models was unimpressed: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by cohesive units, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star may be their only star, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is crafty, experienced, streets ahead of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, this was almost certainly because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to start wide, cut in and exploit the space. Skill and strategy, working together.

2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United

Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games on the bounce for the first time under their manager. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six missed opportunities. Against Aston Villa they were superior for large periods without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they conceded soft goals. After 13 months in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to secure victories.

3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind

It was an evening fixture on the holiday period but a noticeable shortage of fluency in the final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that David Moyes’s side sat fifth in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their designs on the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories will inevitably become bigger with dedication and persistence. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.

4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions

During the holidays the City manager will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained his squad requested to enjoy a break after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the Nottingham Forest game. Guardiola detailed how the side can improve. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, locating the gaps – if the players were in the right areas, we could generate more chances.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family for celebrations. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, the food is superb.”

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

Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, as a turning point. This was exactly what Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he converted from good service looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a significant blow for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player hit full tilt again. Reports suggest Isak has suffered a broken leg and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.

6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?

Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe 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 eventually tied. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely correct to highlight 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 swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being very clever at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a former England striker was interesting. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”

7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality

Brentford’s first away win this season spelled joy for Keith Andrews. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; Opta state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly