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

Can results tell the whole story? It's a valid query. Aston Villa's winning streak persisted with a win over Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. They were the lesser team by multiple metrics – less attempts (12-15), less possession (43-57), not as many golden opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. As usual, statistical models was unimpressed: analysis indicates 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 individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers may be their primary talisman, but he’s delivering as a timely gift. Unai Emery is shrewd, experienced, streets ahead of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from Leny Yoro’s naivety, that was probably because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and told Rogers to start wide, cut in and cause him problems. Talent and management, working together.

2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United

Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games consecutively for the initial occasion under Ruben Amorim. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were impressive victories – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (in front of their own fans, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). Their keeper provided stability, the attack was exciting and there was a positive mood. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, two wins, six games without a win. Against Aston Villa they were the better team without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored an excellent finish, but he also blazed over a simple chance. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to important midfielders), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival 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 Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the attacking areas made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was predictable with creative forces 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 the whole campaign without a reliable number nine. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the flaw should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins will inevitably become bigger with dedication and persistence. 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 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 overdone the festive fare. Guardiola said his squad requested to have a rest day after their recent victory but he declined because they didn’t play good enough. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, training for the squad players, and following a short break, then two days to prepare for the upcoming match. The manager outlined 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.” Guardiola will also enjoy a rest: “I will be on vacation with the family to relax. I'm going to Barcelona – I recommend it, the food is superb.”

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

Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a fleeting moment, like an arrival. This was the very purpose Liverpool splashed the cash for him to do, to break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he converted from a neat pass boded superbly. So the sight of him departing immediately, the victim of a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for Arne Slot and a shame for any neutral who would like to see a top-class forward hit full tilt again. Reports suggest Isak has sustained a fractured leg and he probably endures a extended spell on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.

6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw

Managers often moan about debatable rulings as a means of shifting the focus from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season appears relevant. Eddie Howe 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 Howe was surely right to question a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have swung the momentum. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by the player's history for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? The take of a respected pundit was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” was the analysis. “He knows the challenge is coming and he's ready. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”

7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves

Brentford’s first away win this season spelled a welcome result for their manager. Instead of reveling in the win, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; Opta state – possibly kindly – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond honour. A veteran player brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly