The Premier League table has got even tighter following the most recent set of games, with positions changing every weekend and new contenders coming and going after every game.
Liverpool and Manchester United disappointed in the biggest match of the weekend, drawing 0-0 with underwhelming performances from both sides.
The likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford failed to inject any quality into the game as the Red Devils retained top spot and Liverpool dropped to fourth.
United’s rivals Manchester City capitalised when they beat Crystal Palace 4-0 just a few hours later.
A brace from John Stones as well as goals by Ilkay Gundogan and Raheem Sterling saw Pep Guardiola’s side rise to second in the table on the eve of his 50th birthday.
Leicester’s 2-0 win over Southampton also saw them stay in touch with United at the top of the league, sitting level on points with City and just two points from top.
James Maddison and Harvey Barnes both netted against the Saints as the Foxes continued to show why they should be considered title contenders, while their opponents slipped to eighth.
A 3-1 win against Sheffield United also means Tottenham sit just one point outside the top four, thanks to goals from Serge Aurier, Harry Kane and Tanguy Ndombele.
Despite David McGoldrick’s consolation, the Blades returned to their losing ways and sit 11 points from safety.
Chelsea also kept up with their rivals at the top end of the league, scraping a 1-0 win at fellow London club Fulham.
Mason Mount scored the only goal of the game, following on from American left back Antonee Robinson’s red card for the hosts.
Three second half goals for Arsenal saw them continue their good form as they easily dispatched Newcastle.
Strikes by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang either side of a Bukayo Saka finish saw the Gunners move into 10th.
Elsewhere, Brighton handed Leeds their third defeat in as many games thanks to a Neal Maupay header.
The win sees Graham Potter’s team move five points clear of the bottom three, although they have played two more games than the likes of Fulham and West Brom.
West Brom also won, beating Wolves 3-2 in a dramatic Black Country derby.
Semi Ajayi’s opener was followed by two Matheus Pereira penalties to cancel out strikes from Wolves’ Fabio Silva and Willy Boly, as Sam Allardyce earned his first win as West Brom manager.
Finally, West Ham beat Burnley 1-0 at the London Stadium, with Michail Antonio scoring his first goal since October.
Everton and Aston Villa were due to play, but their game was postponed due to a number of Covid-19 cases in the Villa squad.
By Ali Pollock
