5 things we learnt from this weekend's Premier League action

The Premier League didn't disappoint this weekend as fans were treated to 28 goals from 9 games with more than a few surprise results along the way.

With just 15 games remaining in the 17/18 season there are still about nine clubs that could realistically be relegated to the second tier. This adds a fascinating intrigue to the remainry game this season as the financial rewards for surviving the drop are huge.

At the sharp end, the race for the top four is being far more hotly contested than the race for the title. Manchester City, barring disaster, will lift the Premier League trophy.

Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham and Arsenal all battling it out to secure Champions League football next term.

This week has seen a cloud of transfer speculation consume the media headlines as clubs look to bolster their squads before the transfer window slams shut.

Here we assess five things we've learned from this round of fixtures.

#5 Palace continue resurgence under Hodgson

The Eagles have been flying high since Hodgson took over

Crystal Palace beating Burnley at home wouldn't usually raise many eyebrows as a surprise result, however, this Premier League campaign has seen the Clarets hit remarkable form and this result will go down as another terrific win for Crystal Palace under Roy Hodgson.

The former England manager was appointed with Palace rooted to the foot of the table after 4 winless and goalless games. Fortunes didn't change instantly, but since they collected their first points of the season against Chelsea they haven't really looked back.

The Eagles have collected 25 points from 19 games since Roy Hodgson took the helm, certainly not relegation form. They now sit 12th on the table and will be aiming to move towards the top half and further distance themselves from a potential relegation scrap.

#4 Arsenal continue to regress under Wenger

Arsene Wenger cuts a frustrated figure watching from the stands

Alexis Sanchez was a notable omission from the Arsenal squad as they fell to a 2-1 defeat at Bournemouth on Sunday for the first of the Super Sunday fixtures. Without Sanchez and Ozil, Arsenal looked like a mid-table side and it is worrying to think about the consequences of both players leaving the club.

At the back end of last season, it seemed as if Arsene Wenger might finally take his bow as Gunner's boss, but a two-year contract extension followed. Arsenal fans are some of the most vocal online in their dismay at the situation the club currently finds itself in.

They have been usurped by local rivals Tottenham as the best team in North East London, failed to qualify for the Champions League last season (and look to be struggling to do so this season) and lets not even discuss challenging for the Premier League title.

Even the eternal optimist is resigned to Sanchez leaving for a rival. This is a hammer blow to Arsenal as he is their talisman and arguably the most naturally gifted player they've had for several years. A look at the rest of their squad doesn't make for pretty reading.

Callum Chambers and Rob Holding lined up in defence today, both players are young and no doubt have potential, but neither player would even get near any of the other top six sides starting XI. It is a far cry from the days of Martin Keown and Sol Campbell bullying opposition attackers.

Upfront, Alexandre Lacazette needs to recapture the form that made him one of Europe's top marksmen if Arsenal is going to mount a serious challenge for a top-four spot.

One positive is Jack Wilshere's return, he's a player of immense quality and one of few Arsenal players that make the team tick. If he can maintain his fitness he'll be a huge asset.

Arsenal appears stagnant, lifeless and no longer produce the iconic style of play we have become accustomed to on a regular basis. Something needs to change.

#3 VAR needed urgently

Doucoure got away with one in Watford's game against Southampton

VAR. It seems to be dominating headlines this week but what actually is it?

VAR (Video Assistant Referee) made it's long-awaited debut in English football this week but has not been given the green light for use in the Premier League, much to the frustration of Southampton boss Mauricio Pellegrino.

The Saints conceded a 90th-minute goal in their 2-2 draw at Vicarage Road when Abdoulaye Doucoure scored for Watford. Replays showed that he had used his arm to divert the ball into the goal.

The technology clearly works, so why is it not in use in the Premier League? Football is generally well behind the curve when it comes to the use of technology. The Premier League is the richest league in the world and as a result, the stakes are high for many clubs. It is getting to a stage where decisions such as the Doucoure goal may be the difference in either a title or relegation run.

#2 West Brom win!

Jonny Evans celebrated the opening goal which gave the Baggies a much-needed win

It has been a long time since someone has uttered the words "West Brom win" but with the help of a goal from skipper Jonny Evans, the Baggies recorded their first win in 20 Premier League matches.

Alan Pardew will be relieved, his side taking their first three points in the league since he replaced Tony Pulis. They still sit in the relegation zone, only above Swansea City. The task of keeping his side in the top-flight is a big one. The task will be made much bigger if a rumoured transfer away to either Arsenal or Manchester City comes to fruition for Jonny Evans.

West Brom travel to Everton on Saturday and Pardew will be hoping too secure rare back-to-back wins to further boost their chances of survival in a closely fought relegation fight.

#1 Manchester City are NOT invincible

Liverpool players celebrate a goal against Manchester City

At least Pep Guardiola doesn't have to answer questions about going unbeaten in the league anymore. Man City's winless run at Anfield continued as Pep watched his side fall on the wrong side of a seven-goal thriller to a ruthless Liverpool.

It was a great game. Both sides pressed high and looked to attack at pace, it was a frantic and pulsating game of football. If you put the result aside, both teams demonstrated what has been clear to see all season.

Individual mistakes cost City, not anything else. Liverpool raced to a 4-1 lead in the second half through clinical finishing as well as a string of defensive errors from John Stones, Nicolas Otamendi and goalkeeper, Ederson.

Liverpool has demonstrated a weak underbelly whilst Man City have demonstrated a never-say-die attitude.

There are very few games in which the home side leads by three goals with twenty minutes to go and you feel it is still all to play for. The Reds will hope new signing Virgil van Dijk will help address their defensive frailties while the Citizens can be proud of their campaign so far.

It was a fantastic game of football to round off a fascinating Premier League weekend with just Manchester United vs Stoke City to come when they meet on Monday night. Congratulations Liverpool on an epic win against the champions-elect.