We have entered a new year but this weekend's Premier League results could already spell the end of the title race.
Manchester City opened up a ten point gap over their nearest challengers after the reigning champions battled to a dramatic victory over the impressive Arsenal at the Emirates.
Title rivals Chelsea and Liverpool were involved in a classic, but the game ultimately only favoured champions City, who now look to have an almost unassailable lead as they aim to retain their domestic crown.
Meanwhile, there were big victories for Tottenham and Leeds, and Everton boss Rafa Benitez was put under even more pressure on Merseyside.
Here, Mirror Football rounds up 10 talking points from this weekend's action:
1. VAR drama
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Another weekend was dominated by the inconsistency in VAR decisions and the poor standard of officiating in England's top flight is under the spotlight right now.
Arsenal and Chelsea were among the clubs bemoaning conflicting decisions, that proved costly in what felt like the most defining weekend for the title race yet.
Referee Stuart Attwell did not look at the pitch side monitor after waving away Martin Odegaard's penalty claim, but did for City's second-half spot-kick, to understandable frustration inside the Emirates.
Meanwhile, no further action was taken by Anthony Taylor after Sadio Mane received just yellow for a flailing elbow on Cesar Azpilicueta in the opening seconds at Stamford Bridge.
The erratic nature of the biggest calls is taking its toll on players, managers and fans alike.
2. City roaring towards title
Arsenal 1-2 Manchester City
This was a dream weekend for those of a sky blue persuasion.
City extended their lead to 10 points at the summit and there looks to be no way of catching them now.
Pep Guardiola's men were not at their best against a brave Arsenal side, who offered up a belated blueprint on how to go to toe-to-toe with the champions.
But the manner of their 11th straight victory, a last minute winner from Rodri, will be all the more satisfying for City fans on a weekend where the pendulum swung firmly towards the blue half of Manchester.
3. Gutsy Gunners
It's rare that there is such positivity after home defeat in such dramatic circumstances but there were signs of a turning point at Arsenal in their defeat to City.
The Gunners were blown away by Pep Guardiola's side in August and a 5-0 scoreline left Mikel Arteta at the point of no return.
But frustrations at an unjust defeat to the runaway leaders is testament to the evolution of a side who are now firmly top four contenders.
Thomas Partey, Martin Odegaard and goalscorer Bukayo Saka were among plenty of exceptional performers and Arteta, watching from home in isolation, had plenty of reason to be proud.
4. Liverpool Chelsea thriller
Chelsea 2-2 Liverpool
The most important match of the season was also the most gripping.
This was high-octane, thrilling stuff from two sides who exposed their flaws but also their undeniable brilliance in a game that left everyone wanting more.
Liverpool raced into a two-goal lead after Sadio Mane ruthlessly punished a Trevoh Chalobah mistake and Mohamed Salah scored a goal of sheer artistry.
Inspired Chelsea hit back after a wonder goal from Mateo Kovacic and Christian Pulisic's fine left-footed finish before the break.
Ultimately, though, City were the real winners of this thriller, and it's difficult to see a way back for the two sides who left everything out there on the Stamford Bridge turf.
5. Tuchel's big call
That Romelu Lukaku's omission was rendered a mere footnote in the post-match analysis proved what the Belgian will be missing if he goes back to Italy.
Lukaku was left out of a thriller after his stunning comments in an interview that lamented his manager's tactics and expressed an interest in returning to Inter Milan.
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel had to make the brave call to stamp down his authority and his decision could have been vindicated even with defeat to Liverpool.
The German tactician had the support of Stamford Bridge after dropping Lukaku entirely and his effervescent attacking trio of Mason Mount, Kai Havertz and Pulisic were unfortunate not to secure victory.
6. Safe standing back
There was an electric atmosphere at the Stamford Bridge and that was not only owing to the thrilling entertainment on the pitch.
For the first time in over 25 years, fans had the chance to legally stand and watch their side as a new 'safe standing' trial began.
The standing sections in the Matthew Harding Stand and Shed End were warmly received by the Chelsea faithful.
Further trials of safe standing are expected to take place by four other teams, including Manchester United in the coming weeks.
7. Spurs right on track
Watford 0-1 Tottenham
Antonio Conte is yet to lose a league game at Spurs and made it eight unbeaten with a dramatic late victory at Watford.
Conte is a serial winner and grinding out results is indicative of his successful teams.
It was heartbreak for Claudio Ranieiri as Davinson Sanchez capitalised on woeful set-piece defending in the last minute to head home the winner.
Watford are a sinking ship after six straight defeats but Spurs are alive under Conte.
Conte's men are now two points behind rivals Arsenal in fourth spot with two games in hand.
8. Benitez in trouble
Everton had not played for 17 days due to three postponements but it was a familiar tale as their malaise continued.
Brighton sealed their first win at Goodison Park with two superb goals from Alexis Mac Allister to pile more pressure on Rafa Benitez.
The Toffees display was littered with efforts and a double from the bright Anthony Gordon was not enough as Dominic Calvert-Lewin was finally welcomed back from injury.
Graham Potter's Seagulls took the lead inside three minutes and played some fine football throughout.
But the writing is on the wall for Benitez with Everton in 15th, and the Spaniard could be approaching the end days on Merseyside.
9. Pressure mounting on Burnley
Leeds 3-1 Burnley
It's perhaps too early in the season for the cliched 'six pointer'.
But there was palpable relief at Elland Road as Leeds moved eight points clear of the relegation zone against struggling Burnley.
Stuart Dallas scored a fine goal on his 200th Leeds appearance and Dan James scored a stoppage time header to end a run of four games without a win.
Sean Dyche is known for adjusting to tough challenges and fighting with scraps at Burnley, but maintaining top flight status this season will be a huge achievement.
The Clarets are without a win since October and cannot just rely on the brilliance of Maxwel Cornet for goals.
The January transfer window could be crucial at Turf Moor.
10. West Ham march on
Manuel Lanzini will be perhaps unfortunate to have his glorious volley overlooked by Kovacic's stunner in most goal of the week panels.
The Argentine's special individual effort set West Ham well on their way to victory at Selhurst Park as the Hammers continued their momentum in 2022.
David Moyes' men nearly succumbed to a dramatic late comeback after taking a dominant lead, but held on and will not relent as they target European football once again.
Declan Rice was once again marvellous while Michail Antonio was back on the scoresheet for the Irons in another big victory.
