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1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass

Can results sometimes deceive? That is the question. Aston Villa's winning streak continued against Manchester United, accompanied by the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. Consistently, the xG metric sided with the opposition: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by cohesive units, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers may be their sole standout, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. Unai Emery is crafty, experienced, significantly more advanced of the United boss. If Rogers profited from a positional error, it was likely because the coach had detected that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, cut in and torment him. Skill and strategy, working together.

2. Amorim Continues to Fall Short

When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games on the bounce for the maiden instance under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United went back to black. Eight games, two wins, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, the Brazilian scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. 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 8pm kick-off on the holiday period 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 the experienced winger struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that the Toffees were in fifth place in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he enjoyed a merited victory and ascending to the summit of the table, the deficiency should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably become bigger with hard work and perseverance. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving quality substitutes on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.

4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations

During the holidays Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. Guardiola said the team wanted to take a day off after their latest win but he declined because they didn’t play good enough. So it's recovery, sessions for the fringe men, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. Guardiola detailed how the side can improve. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in the right areas, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's a great city, the food is excellent.”

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 decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he finished from an incisive ball looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see such a gifted player perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having snuck up on the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear heavily dependent on those of their prize asset.

6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?

Managers often complain about controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that costly trend following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by past incidents for being skilled at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? The take of a respected pundit was interesting. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he braces for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the nature of the contact there … it's more than just defending.”

7. A 99.17% Certainty

Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled joy for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly