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

Are match outcomes be misleading? One must ask. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, accompanied by the lingering concerns. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, statistical models sided with the opposition: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. Villa's emerging star might just be their sole standout, but he’s delivering like Father Christmas. Unai Emery is crafty, experienced, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, this was almost certainly because the manager identified that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to take up a wide position, move infield and torment him. Skill and strategy, working together.

2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short

Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They had won three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under their manager. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, against a promoted club, but still – an untroubled victory). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United slipped into a slump. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six games without a win. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. Following over a year in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to claim three points.

3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory

It was an evening fixture on the festive weekend but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with offensive players absent, and the experienced winger struggling to lift an entire team by himself. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees sat fifth in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he relished a hard-fought three points and ascending to the summit of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that victories will inevitably become bigger with hard work and perseverance. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.

4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City

On Christmas Day the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. Guardiola said the players asked to take a day off after their 3-0 triumph but the request was denied because they didn’t play good enough. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then brief training for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “I excel at analyzing 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'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. I'll visit Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is superb.”

5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment

Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he converted from a neat pass was highly promising. So the image of him leaving immediately, following a reckless attempt, was a huge concern for the Dutch coach and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent hit full tilt again. Reports suggest Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run bookended by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear heavily dependent on those of their record signing.

6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea

Managers often lament debatable rulings as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that costly trend following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely justified in criticising 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 altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the opposing player the doubt informed by past incidents for being very clever at drawing contact and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a respected pundit was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the force and aggression there … that’s not shielding the ball.”

7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality

Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly