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

Do the final scores sometimes deceive? One must ask. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by a number of key indicators – less attempts (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, statistical models was unimpressed: according to data United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. Villa's emerging star may be their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is wily, experienced, five years ahead of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, this was almost certainly because Emery had spotted that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, move infield 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 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They had won three league games in a row for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. Eight games, only two victories, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to claim three points.

3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit

It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with graft and determination. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.

4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations

Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed the team wanted to take a day off after their latest win but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, work for those who didn't feature, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. He explained how they can get better. “I’m good at reading what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is excellent.”

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

Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the confidence with which he converted from good service looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a huge concern for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the upper echelons, putting together a string of positive results highlighted by Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear inextricably linked to those of their record signing.

6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?

Managers often moan about debatable rulings as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. Their manager certainly did not seem too willing 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 match officials not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being expert at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? Analysis from a respected pundit was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “He's prepared for the impact and he braces for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the nature of the contact there … it constitutes a foul.”

7. A 99.17% Certainty

Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly