After witnessing teams go at it in the FA Cup last weekend, the Premier League returns this time around with much to behold. The last game week saw Man City take a commanding position at the top of the table after scrapping out a 2-1 win over 10-man Arsenal side at Emirates. Rodri's 93rd minute strike proved to be the decider after Riyad Mahrez cancelled out Bukayo Saka's opener with a controversial penalty.
Elsewhere, Liverpool and Chelsea shared spoils after drawing 2-2 in an enthralling encounter. The former took a commanding position by taking a 2-0 lead in the first half through Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah but goals in quick succession by Mateo Kovacic and Christian Pulisic kept things in a balance. Meanwhile, West Ham continued their ascendency by adding another three points to their haul, beating Norwich 2-0 to retain their top four spot.
Top four-chasing Tottenham Hotspur defeated Watford 1-0 while Manchester United missed an opportunity to close in on their rivals in the race for European football by falling to a 1-0 loss at old Trafford against Wolves.
Top five teams in the Premier League ahead of Matchweek 22 
Top games to watch in the Premier League
Man City vs Chelsea: Man City will lockhorns with Chelsea at Etihad in Saturday's early kick-off clash. The hosts will almost likely end Chelsea's title hopes if they manage a win, as both teams would have 16 games left to play, with the champions having a 13-point edge. Pep Guardiola is dealing with other Covid situations, albeit he has not specified who they are. On the contrary, Thomas Tuchel will be dealing with the absence of goalkeeper Eduoardo Mendy who is currently at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal.
Aston Villa vs Manchester United: Manchester United travel to Aston Villa on Saturday as they look to return to winning ways. The Red Devils were stunned at home in their last Premier League encounter with Wolves and will be eager to get a grip on their top four aspirations. Earlier this week, the Red Devils recorded a 1-0 victory over Villa when the two teams met in the FA Cup, with Scott McTominay scoring the only goal of the third-round contest at Old Trafford. Steven Gerrard's men will look to get a response having done decent business in this winter transfer window.
Liverpool vs Brentford: Liverpool will target a more encouraging performance when they take on Brentford at Anfield in Sunday's Premier League clash. The Reds were handed a disappointment in the first leg of the Carabao Cup on Thursday after being held by 10-man Arsenal to a 0-0 draw in the first leg of the semi-finals. On the contrary, the Bees will approach the game on the back of a 4-1 defeat against Southampton.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal: Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal meet in the Premier League's North London derby on Sunday. Earlier this week, Antonio Conte's side lost 3-0 on aggregate to Chelsea in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup, while Arsenal held Liverpool to a 0-0 tie in the first leg.
