The Premier League played its last round of fixtures before the mid-season break and it saw plenty of goals and big teams dropping points and rivals clashing.

Citizens held by Saints (Southampton-1 Man City-1)

Manchester City’s win streak came at an end to the hands of Southampton in a 1-1 draw, but still remain nine points clear at the top of the premier league table. This result has shown that City are not invincible and are very much able to drop points, this will give rivals such as Liverpool and Chelsea the chance to push for the title once again, but will need to hope for more slip ups from Guardiola’s team.

Southampton have flattered to deceive at points this season, and still hover above the relegation scrap, but a point versus the champions Man City can only be a positive for them moving forward as they try to push further and further up the table away from any looming danger. City were left fully frustrated by Southampton, they fully were the more dominant side and were left aggrieved to only walk away with a point, but the Saints were strong at the back and denied anymore clear opportunities on goal, mainly down to the performance of Centre Back Mohammed Salisu.

No Salah no Problem as Liverpool win at Palace (Crystal Palace- 1- Liverpool- 3)

Liverpool took full advantage of City’s slip-up and got the win they needed versus Crystal Palace. They now sit nine points behind City with a game in hand. The reds knew the struggle they would face without Salah and Mane, who are away at AFCON, but the deputies stepped up and managed to keep a 100% record in the league with their key men.

Crystal Palace can be proud of their performance despite losing, they are beginning to look like a solid outfit under Patrick Vieira and despite not having one of their most key players in Zaha, they looked positive and can be happy with what the future may hold.

Despite winning by two goals, Liverpool can count their lucky stars that they won this game and they have the heroics of Alisson to thank that they won this game. Liverpool got the game wrapped up after they received a contentious penalty late on and was converted by Fabinho in place of the usual taker Mo Salah.

Allison Becker helped keep Liverpool in-front against a Palace onslaught

Chelsea gain bragging rights over Spurs (Chelsea- 2 Spurs- 0)

Chelsea have been on ropey form recently and questions have been raised about the mentality of the side and manager Thomas Tuchel, but if there was one game to shake off any rustiness, it would be against one of their closest rivals in Tottenham. They will look to build on this impressive victory and hope to close the gap to the teams above them, especially with City dropping points. Spurs couldn’t produce what they done versus Leicester midweek, and are beginning to fall away from the top four. If they are to get Champions League under Antonio Conte they must be more resolute in their play and solid at the back, but signings are necessary for them to compete again. Chelsea always looked like winning this game despite Harry Kane’s goal being controversially ruled out for a shove on Thiago Silva, with the latter going on to score, not before Hakim Ziyech scored one of the goals of the season.

Premier League: Three Things we Learned