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

Do the final scores tell the whole story? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run persisted with a win over Manchester United, alongside the nagging doubts. On paper, they were second best by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), less possession (43-57), fewer big chances (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, statistical models painted a different picture: according to data United had the slight advantage 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 moments of magic – and Villa have all three. The young forward could be considered their only star, but he is performing as a timely gift. The Villa manager is wily, experienced, five years ahead of Ruben Amorim. Should Rogers have benefited from a positional error, it was likely because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and instructed his winger to begin on the flank, drive inside and torment him. Individual brilliance and coaching, in perfect harmony.

2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United

Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games in a row for the initial occasion under the Portuguese coach. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at home, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a routine shutout). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and there was a positive mood. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. At Villa Park they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, their forward scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were cursed by absentees (to key players), but they gave away cheap scores. After 13 months 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 an evening fixture on the holiday period but a glaring absence of finesse in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with creative forces absent, and the experienced winger failing to inspire 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 their manager, while he relished a hard-fought three points and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be just as worrying given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably grow more comfortable with dedication and persistence. But it is fairly soon 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 Strict Festive Regime for Champions

During the holidays the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed his squad requested to take a day off after their recent victory but the request was denied because their display lacked quality. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. He explained how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in optimal spots, we could be more potent.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family and champagne. I'll visit Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is superb.”

5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow

Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a glorious few seconds, as a turning point. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to decide close contests with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, and the confidence with which he clipped in from a neat pass was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for the Dutch coach and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see such a gifted player reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has suffered a broken leg and he could be in for a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Slot’s team having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run 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 lament debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The 13 points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season is a prime example. Their manager certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s inability to hold onto 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 Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a 12-yard award could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by the player's history for being expert at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? The take of a respected pundit was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the force and aggression there … it's more than just defending.”

7. A 99.17% Certainty

Brentford’s first away win this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. Rather than celebrate, Andrews spoke kindly about Wolves, the club he started his career with. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their chances of relegation at overwhelmingly high, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond professionalism. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly