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1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist

Are match outcomes sometimes deceive? That is the question. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the persistent questions. On paper, they were second best by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was a slender one. Consistently, statistical models was unimpressed: reports suggest United edged it 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by collective effort, astute coaching and moments of magic – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers may be their only star, but his contributions are coming as a timely gift. The Spanish tactician is wily, battle-hardened, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. The fact Rogers took advantage from a defensive lapse, it was likely because Emery had spotted that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to begin on the flank, drive inside and cause him problems. Talent and management, working together.

2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers

When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games consecutively for the first time under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – a comfortable clean sheet). The goalkeeper was reassuring, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and morale was high. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six missed opportunities. At Villa Park they were superior for large periods without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a good goal, but he also missed a sitter. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to influential figures), but they gave away cheap scores. Since his arrival in England, Amorim still hasn’t worked out how to win consistently.

3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind

It was a late Saturday start on the holiday period but a distinct lack of quality in the final third made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and their star man failing to inspire an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side occupied a European spot in the table two weeks earlier given they have played the entire season without a proven goalscorer. For Arsenal and their manager, while he savoured a deserved win and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. He stated that victories will inevitably become bigger with graft and determination. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.

4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City

During the holidays the City manager will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained his squad requested to take a day off after their latest win but he declined because their display lacked quality. So it's recovery, training for the squad players, and after three days off, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how they can get better. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in these positions, we could create more.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. A trip to Barcelona is planned – I recommend it, the food is superb.”

5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment

The Swedish striker's finish at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, as a turning point. This was precisely the reason Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to unlock stubborn defences with his movement and range of finishing, and the calmness with which he clipped in from an incisive ball was highly promising. So the scene of his substitution immediately, the victim of a rash challenge, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and frustrating for fans who would like to see an extraordinary talent reach his peak again. Reports suggest Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he could be in for a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with Slot’s team having quietly moved into the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run bookended by Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear heavily dependent on those of their prize asset.

6. Did Chelsea Get Away with One?

Managers often moan about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of diverting the narrative from matters they would prefer were not talked about. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. Eddie Howe certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that unfortunate habit 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 correct to highlight a decision made by the referee not to award his team a penalty following a clear obstruction on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the Chelsea defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by past incidents for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes going down too easily? Comments by a respected pundit was notable. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the strength of the challenge there … that’s not shielding the ball.”

7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality

Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled relief for the Bees' boss. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – maybe optimistically – their probability of going down at 99.17%, leaving only pride at stake beyond pride. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly