For a while the Premier League title race has seemed a foregone conclusion, with Manchester City looking sure to pick up the trophy for the fourth time in five campaigns.
Pep Guardiola's side moved 12 points clear at the top of the table on Wednesday with a routine 2-0 victory over Brentford, but old title foes Liverpool responded on Thursday by winning 2-0 against Leicester to cut the deficit to nine points - with a game in hand.
There is real unpredictability about this Covid-hit season and Jurgen Klopp's men have the opportunity to claw back further ground should they win that game, against Leeds, on 23 February.