A lucklustre 1-1 draw between Arsenal and Manchester United at Old trafford brought an end to what has rather been an exciting week of premier league football. There were 29 goals scored with wins for all of last season's top 4.
Here are key talking points after another week of entertaining Premier League football.
Liverpool Gets The Job Done Despite Poor Showing
It was a poor showing by Liverpool's standard. Their first shot on target was actually the only goal of the game which came after 70 minutes. This goal was also as a result of a horrendous error from goalkeeper Dean Henderson. In the end, Liverpool did what champions and contenders should do and that is find a way to win no matter what. They would have to be at their best however if they are to equal and beat the record of the best top flight winning run. This was win number 16 but standing in the way of the current record of 18 wins are a home game against Leicester City and a trip to Old trafford and recent history suggests this is no small task for them.
Ederson, Mahrez Show their Quality In WIn
For a moment, it looked like one of those nights where Manchester city were going to drop points but Ederson and Mahrez stepped up to ensure Pep's men remain five points behind Liverpool. Gabriel Jesus headed in another sublime cross from Kevin De Bruyne to put City in front only for Everton to equalize through Calvert Lewin.
WIth the match still hanging in the balance, Ederson made three saves to prevent Everton from taking the lead. His reaction to deny Mina was impressive whilst he brilliantly denied Calvert-Lewin when he was put through on goal. WIth the Brazilian rather known for his ball playing abilities, he reminded us of how reliable he can be in the post too.
Riyad Mahrez stepped up with the game still tied and expertly curled a free kick into the bottom right-hand corner to put City in the lead once more. He has now being directly involved in 17 goals - seven goals and 10 assists in his last 17 starts for City, including nine in the last seven. He seems to deliver when it gets tough for CIty and Pep will be relying on that in the coming weeks.
Leicester City Looks Set To Challenge For European Spot
It was a 5 star performance for Brendan Rodgers' side against a 10-man Newcastle at the King Power Stadium. A brilliant goal from Ricardo Pereira put Leicester in firm control of the match. A red card to Isaac Hayden for a rash tackle did Newcastle no favors and Leicester punished them by scoring four more goals with Jamie Vardy getting a brace. Leicester's pace and high energy was too much for Newcastle to handle as they were carved open too easily in the second half. A fine start to the season by Rodgers' men as they find themselves in third position and if the keep it up there is no reason why they cannot challenge for a European spot this season.
Rashford And Pepe Still Struggle
It has been a season to forget so far for Rashford and Manchester United. After his double against Chelsea, he has scored just once since then, via the penalty spot. He looks like a faustrated figure and its clear he can't lead the line for Manchester United. Ole's big gamble does not seem to be paying off and he needs to spend this January for United to stand a chance of competing for a top 4 place.
Another player who seem to be struggling is Arsenal's record summer signing, Pepe. He has failed to produce the kind of form he showed at Lille. His body language seems off and his decisions in the attacking third has been poor thus far. Youngster Bukayo Saka has been outperforming the record summer signing and he needs to pick up soon or risk his place in the team and even falling out with the fans.