With the November international break in the rear-view mirror, the Premier League returned with a bang.
It seems like the race for the top four takes a fresh twist with every passing week and Saturday’s action was no different.
The result of the day easily belonged to Ange Postecoglou and his Tottenham side as they thrashed Manchester City at the Etihad.
It was the first time in Pep Guardiola’s managerial career he has lost five consecutive games as James Maddison, Pedro Porro and Brennan Johnson all got on the scoresheet in the 4-0 thumping.
Chelsea eased past Leicester City 2-1, although former Watford striker Troy Deeney believed the Blues have a glaring error preventing them from being a legitimate title contender.
Ethan Nwaneri became Arsenal’s second-youngest Premier League goalscorer in the Gunners’ 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest.
Brentford’s defensive unit will be a happy camp as they celebrated a gritty 0-0 draw against Everton despite going down to 10 men in the 41st minute.
The scoreless result marked the Bees’ first clean sheet of the season and Brentford boss Thomas Frank will hope it is a trend they can continue going forward.
Aston Villa had to come from behind twice to rescue a 2-2 draw against lowly Crystal Palace, with Eagles goalkeeper Dean Henderson saving a Youri Tielemans penalty in the first half.
Wolves boss Gary O’Neil earned some respite as his side thrashed Fulham 4-1 at Craven Cottage, while Brighton continued their stunning form this season with a 2-1 victory over Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.
Here, talkSPORT duo Jamie O’Hara and Jason Cundy reveal their winners and losers from Saturday’s action on the Game-Day Phone-In!
Winners
Matheus Cunha
The Brazilian forward has made the list once again after his stunning display against Fulham.
The 25-year-old scored twice for Wolves, helping Gary O’Neil’s side to a much-needed 4-1 win at Craven Cottage.
“Top, top player. He’s in again,” said O’Hara.
Cundy continued: “This is a player that some of the big dogs will be seriously looking at.
“He’s quick, he’s direct, scores goals. He was excellent today.
Fabian Hurzeler
Brighton secured a big three points after beating Bournemouth 2-1 at the Vitality Stadium.
While ending the match with 10-men, the Seagulls are going strong in the Premier League.
“Fifth in the table, another big result,” said O’Hara. “They’ve got 22 points, they are flying.
Cundy added: “They’re not going anywhere, mate. They are here to stay. They are going to be a nuisance.
“Whether they have enough to last between now and the end of the season, only time will tell. But I’ve got to give them credit. To be there, right now, in and amongst the Champions League places, they’re a side and a football club that have consistently moved in the right direction for the last five years.
“Potter started it, De Zerbi took over and moved them forward. And now Hurzeler has done exactly the same job. Every manager seems to move them forward again.
“The recruitment from Bloom and everyone down at Brighton, both on the pitch and in the dugout, is nothing short of remarkable.”
James Maddison
The Tottenham midfielder was the star of the show in a shock 4-0 victory over Man City at the Etihad Stadium.
“He’s scored two today, he’s answered his critics,” said O’Hara.
“He’s come under a bit of pressure, he lost his place in the England squad, hasn’t been playing, been getting dragged week-in, week-out.
“But he’s put in a top, top performance so far. Regardless of how this game ends up, he deserves to be in there.”
“It’s been a difficult last year,” adde Cundy. “Picked up the injury against Chelsea a year ago, really struggled to get back into form.
“Two goals won’t do him any harm, so congratulations to him.”
Losers
Pep Guardiola
While Maddison was the star, Guardiola will be left licking his wounds after another Premier League defeat.
Defeat for Man City means they are five points off top, having played a game more than Liverpool who face Southampton on Sunday.
O’Hara said: “Five on the bounce. He has got to go in the losers list. They are having a nightmare!”
“They are having a terrible, terrible time,” Cundy went on.
“I know they’ve got injuries. But no-one is going to feel sorry for City. No-one.
“Kovacic is out, I get that. When they get everyone back, we know City are a force to be reckoned with.”
Everton
While Sean Dyche’s side were dominant against Brentford, they weren’t able to get themselves over the line.
Everton had 27 shots and 60 per cent possession, but managed just five on target – leading them to draw 0-0 with the 10-man Bees on a Frustrating afternoon.
O’Hara said: “27 shots, down to 10 men against Brentford and they still can’t score.
“They cannot hit a barn door. Seriously, I could put a goat up front and he’d score. Seriously, it’s embarrassing.”
“They’re just existing. They’re not living, they’re just existing. They’ve got to go in there,” Cundy added.
Tom Brady
Perhaps a little bit harshly, O’Hara named the NFL legend as one of his losers following a bad result for Birmingham City.
While sitting fourth in League One with multiple games in hand, the Blues shareholder was called out by the former Tottenham star.
O’Hara said: “Birmingham, flying high, doing well. Only lost one game going into this.
They played Shrewsbury – 23rd-placed Shrewsbury. What could go wrong?
“I tell you what can go wrong. Shrewsbury can beat them. It’s a bad day in the office. But if you’ve got to take the plaudits Tom Brady, you’ve got to take the criticism. You’re a loser!”
