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1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist

Are match outcomes be misleading? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the lingering concerns. Statistically, they were inferior by a number of key indicators – a lower shot count (12-15), a smaller share of the ball (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was a slender one. In keeping with form, statistical models sided with the opposition: reports suggest United edged it 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 sparkling skill – and Villa boast the complete package. The young forward might just be their sole standout, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. The Villa manager is shrewd, experienced, five years ahead of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, move infield and exploit the space. Talent and management, combining effectively.

2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers

Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans rediscovered hope. They managed three league games in a row for the initial occasion under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United went back to black. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored an excellent finish, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to claim three points.

3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind

It was an 8pm kick-off on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the final third made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with key attackers absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team by himself. In many respects it is surprising that the Toffees sat fifth in the table recently given they have played the entire season without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he savoured a deserved win and ascending to the summit of the table, the deficiency should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated that victories will inevitably grow more comfortable with dedication and persistence. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be relying on grinding out wins.

4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations

On Christmas Day the City manager will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He revealed the team wanted to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. He explained 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 have holidays with the family and champagne. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, the food is top.”

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

Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, like a statement. This was exactly what Liverpool invested heavily for him to do, to break tight games with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the calmness with which he finished from a neat pass boded superbly. So the image of him leaving immediately, following a rash challenge, was a huge concern for the Liverpool manager and a shame for any neutral who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Slot’s team having snuck up on the top four, putting together a six-game unbeaten run bookended by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear heavily dependent on those of their £125m investment.

6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea

Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem too willing to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Newcastle’s manager 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 the England international. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick 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 earning fouls and sometimes simulating? Comments by a well-known analyst was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … it constitutes a foul.”

7. A 99.17% Certainty

Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled relief for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; data analysts state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly