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1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist

Can results sometimes deceive? One must ask. Villa's run of victories continued against Manchester United, accompanied by the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, statistical models sided with the opposition: according to data United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and individual talent – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers could be considered their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. The Villa manager is crafty, battle-hardened, five years ahead of his counterpart. Should Rogers have benefited from a positional error, it was likely because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to take up a wide position, move infield and torment him. Individual brilliance and coaching, in perfect harmony.

2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United

When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games in a row for the maiden instance under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, only two victories, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, their forward scored a fine effort, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to win consistently.

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 opposition box made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger struggling to lift an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees sat fifth in the table recently given they have played the entire season without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he relished a hard-fought three points and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be equally concerning given their designs on the Premier League. Arteta insisted that victories will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving exciting options on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.

4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City

Over the festive period the Catalan coach will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed the players asked to take a day off after their latest win but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then 48 hours of preparation for the next fixture. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could be more potent.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family and champagne. I'll visit Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is superb.”

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

The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his movement and range of finishing, and the assurance with which he converted from a neat pass looked extremely positive. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a huge concern for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see a top-class forward perform at his best again. There are fears Isak has suffered a broken leg and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having quietly moved into the upper echelons, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear inextricably linked to those of their £125m investment.

6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea

Managers often complain about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season seems a case in point. The Newcastle boss 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 right to question a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR 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 defender the leeway informed by Gordon’s reputation for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? Comments by a respected pundit was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … that’s not shielding the ball.”

7. A 99.17% Certainty

Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for Keith Andrews. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – perhaps generously – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond professionalism. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly