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1. A Tactical Coup: How Rogers and Emery Outfoxed United

Do the final scores be misleading? One must ask. Aston Villa's winning streak was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by several measures – a lower shot count (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was by a narrow margin. In keeping with form, statistical models sided with the opposition: analysis indicates United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. But, as every fan knows games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by cohesive units, tactical brilliance and moments of magic – and Villa possess each ingredient. Morgan Rogers may be their only star, but he is performing like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is crafty, battle-hardened, five years ahead of his counterpart. The fact Rogers took advantage from a positional error, it was likely because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and directed his attacker to start wide, move infield and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, working together.

2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers

Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans felt optimism return. They managed three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. They had risen to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (a traditionally tricky opponent), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – a routine shutout). The goalkeeper was reassuring, the attack was exciting and optimism was growing. But then United went back to black. In a run of eight matches, only two victories, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, their forward scored a fine effort, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they conceded soft goals. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to secure victories.

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 drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with offensive players absent, and their star man unable to spark 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 all term 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 deficiency should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. The manager claimed that winning margins will inevitably be more emphatic with dedication and persistence. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.

4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City

Over the festive period Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not enjoyed excessive celebrations. He explained the players asked to have a rest day after their latest win but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. He explained how they can get better. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, where are the spaces – if the players were in optimal spots, we could generate more chances.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family to relax. I'll visit Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is top.”

5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment

Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to decide close contests with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he finished from a neat pass was highly promising. So the image of him leaving immediately, due to a rash challenge, was a significant blow for Arne Slot and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see an extraordinary talent perform at his best again. Reports suggest Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a significant setback with the Reds having quietly moved into the top four, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s maiden league strikes in their colours. Their fortunes this season appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.

6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw

Managers often moan about contentious refereeing decisions as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The 13 points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season is a prime example. Their manager certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that problematic pattern following his side’s collapse from a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they had to settle for a point in. Yet Howe was surely right to question a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on the England international. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being expert at drawing contact and sometimes going down too easily? The take of a respected pundit was interesting. “Gordon’s waiting,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he's ready. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the strength of the challenge there … it's more than just defending.”

7. Wolves' Grim Relegation Reality

Brentford’s initial success on their travels this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he came through at. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – possibly kindly – their probability of going down at virtually certain, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly