Three Premier League talking points
Manchester City issued a strong message in the Premier League title contest by defeating the struggling defending champions Liverpool, capitalising on a slip up from the top team Arsenal.
The rising young talent Estevao Willian provided the solution to Chelsea's nerves as the London side strengthened their own championship hopes.
AFP Sport examines three key discussion points from the weekend's matches:
Impressive Doku shines for City
Liverpool's Conor Bradley managed to neutralise the danger from one of the globe's top players in Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior during the week, yet the defender found himself overwhelmed by an outstanding showing from Manchester City forward Jeremy Doku.
The player from Belgium has started to combine finishing with his speed and skills this campaign, delivering what might be the finest display across his three years at City to drive a crucial 3-0 victory against the Merseyside outfit on Sunday.
Following his strong performance in the Champions League versus Real, Bradley was completely outplayed by Doku, who established the pace early by earning a penalty kick.
Although Erling Haaland failed to convert it, City soon found their rhythm with goals from the Norwegian forward and Nico Gonzalez before the interval in Pep Guardiola's 1,000th game as a manager.
Doku completed his standout performance with a powerful shot, as City signalled their intent in the race for the crown.
"He has elevated his play significantly," commented ex-City centre-back Micah Richards. "He now possesses that confidence."
City sit only four points behind Arsenal and, with Doku and Haaland firing on all cylinders, a renewed push for the trophy seems underway at the Etihad.
Arteta frustrated by Arsenal's lapse
Mikel Arteta confessed that Arsenal's 2-2 stalemate away to Sunderland gave him a gut feeling of unease, as he lamented their uncommon lapse at the back.
Brian Brobbey poked the ball in from Dan Ballard's nod in the fourth minute of added time, halting Arsenal's streak of 10 straight wins across all tournaments.
The ex-Arsenal stopper Ballard had given Sunderland the lead earlier, prior to Bukayo Saka levelling things and Leandro Trossard rifling the visitors ahead.
Ending their run of eight shutouts in a row proved a tough pill for Arteta to swallow.
"It hurts in my stomach since I hate giving up any goals. It complicated the match," he remarked about Ballard's effort breaking the defensive sequence.
"The final emotion is one of letdown and annoyance because we aimed for all three points.
"We anticipated Sunderland's chaotic style. We must handle challenging scenarios effectively. That goal we let in falls below our usual level."
Estevao ignites
Chelsea's Estevao Willian has faced challenges adjusting to the chilly London climate since arriving from Brazil, but the young sensation is scorching hot in his displays.
Estevao has emerged as Chelsea's top contributor in the opening months of the term, providing yet another impactful substitute appearance in their 3-0 triumph over last-placed Wolves on Saturday.
Chelsea faced jeers at the break after a blank first half, but Malo Gusto opened the scoring before Estevao entered to assist Joao Pedro's strike just under two minutes into his stint.
Pedro Neto finished off the third for Chelsea, propelling them to third in the standings, six points adrift of Arsenal, though Estevao drew particular acclaim from manager Enzo Maresca.
"The opening period understandably left fans dissatisfied without a goal. But when Estevao stepped up, the atmosphere lifted as supporters adore players like him," he noted regarding the 18-year-old.
"His ability is evident. We aim to support his settlement and provide suitable playing time.
"Coming from Brazil, adaptation takes effort, yet he will feature in starting lineups for us ahead."