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1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist

Can results sometimes deceive? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by a number of key indicators – a lower shot count (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, statistical models was unimpressed: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. However, supporters understand games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa have all three. The young forward might just be their primary talisman, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. Unai Emery is wily, battle-hardened, five years ahead of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, it was likely because the coach had detected that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to start wide, drive inside and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, combining effectively.

2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers

Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans rediscovered hope. They secured three league games on the bounce for the first time under their manager. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at home, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a routine shutout). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United returned to poor form. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to secure victories.

3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory

It was an evening fixture on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the opposition box made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and their star man struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that the Toffees occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier 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 a return to the top of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. He stated that winning margins will inevitably become bigger with hard work and perseverance. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with international stars, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.

4. Guardiola’s Festive City Investigations

On Christmas Day the City manager will conduct fitness tests to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He explained his squad requested to have a rest day after their 3-0 triumph but he declined because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. He explained how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, locating the gaps – 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 – it's highly recommended, the food is excellent.”

5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment

Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the assurance with which he clipped in from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, following a rash challenge, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. It is believed Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he likely faces a long time on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the top four, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their prospects appear heavily dependent on those of their prize asset.

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 significant tally Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season seems a case in point. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem too willing to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely correct to highlight a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by the player's history for being very clever at earning fouls and sometimes exaggerating? Analysis from a former England striker was notable. “Gordon’s waiting,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”

7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves

Brentford’s first away win this season spelled joy for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving only pride at stake beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly