Overview
- Arsenal stayed top after a 2-2 draw at Sunderland, dropping points late to end their winning run.
- Manchester City beat Liverpool 3-0 to trim the gap to four points and have won five of their last six league games.
- Gary Neville, Gary Lineker and Wayne Rooney still edge Arsenal as favourites but identify City as the primary challengers.
- Liverpool sit eighth and eight points off first, with Arne Slot saying the team should not talk about the number one position right now.
- Post-break schedules point to a tougher run for Arsenal and a softer opening for City, as the Gunners anticipate key attacking returns from injury.