Arsene Wenger's Arsenal have fallen 10 points off the pace after the 3-0 defeat at Manchester City. Tomorrow, the Gunners have the opportunity to narrow the gap on co-leaders Chelsea when they cross swords with the Blues at Stamford Bridge.
Wenger, having omitted William Gallas from the squad for the City game after the then Arsenal captain had a go at some of his younger team-mates, recalled the French defender for the Champions League 1-0 win over Dynamo Kiev.
Arsenal, who have lost five league matches - three away and two at home - must win against the other title contenders to stay in the hunt. After the upset at Eastlands, Wenger was branded 'ungracious' by Mark Hughes after the Frenchman suggested that the scoreline 'flattered' City.
Last week was the worst in Wenger's 12-year reign after Arsenal suffered back-to-back defeats against Aston Villa and Manchester City, in which they conceded five goals and scored none.
In the Champions League, at home to Dynamo Kiev, the Londoners gained some breathing space as their narrow victory guaranteed them a place in the last 16. Chelsea drew 1-1 with Bordeaux and need another point to make sure of progressing to the knockout stage.
Last weekend, Chelsea had the chance to take sole leadership in the standings but were held to a goalless draw by Newcastle.
Michael Ballack, the Chelsea midfielder, told reporters that the championship will be a two-horse race between his club and Manchester United. Skipper John Terry urged his team-mates to make 'the Bridge' a fortress once again after Chelsea dropped nine points in front of their own fans this season.
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is still seething over his failure to sign Robinho who joined Manchester City instead.
Rumours are rife that the Russian mogul will make another attempt to sign the Brazil forward in January.
In the last 10 visits to Chelsea, the Gunners lost twice (Chelsea's scores first): 2008 - 2-1; 2007 - 1-1; 2006 - 1-0; 2005 - 0-0; 2004 - 1-2; 2003 - 1-1; 2002 - 1-1; 2001 - 2-2; 2000 - 2-3; 1999 - 0-0.
Anfield. In light of Chelsea's failure to beat Newcastle, Liverpool also had the chance to open a gap at the top but they failed to topple Fulham at home.
On Monday, Liverpool will remain at Anfield to tackle West Ham who beat Sunderland away on Sunday.
Irish striker Robbie Keane failed to impress last weekend and the pressure to do well often prompted him to release the ball as soon as he received it. In the Champions League, at home to Marseille, Liverpool obtained a 1-0 win to progress to the KO stage.
City of Manchester Stadium. Tomorrow's derby is expected to develop into a nail-biting affair.
The Blues were back to winning form as they gave Arsenal a lesson in finishing to win 3-0 with Robinho again among the scorers.
United were held to a goalless draw by Aston Villa but the result will not have disappointed the champions as the Midlanders are one of the in-form teams in the Premier League at present.
Alex Ferguson is likely to offer veteran winger Ryan Giggs a new deal since his present contract runs out next summer. The Welsh wizard is set to extend his Old Trafford career to a remarkable 20 seasons following his excellent form in central midfield.
In the Champions League, away to Villarreal, United secured a place in the last 16 and have a great chance of topping the group.
Villa Park. Aston Villa are growing in stature and are now being regarded as genuine challengers for a Champions League berth. This weekend they host Fulham.
While manager Martin O'Neill confirmed his intention to strengthen the squad in January, he let winger Wayne Routledge join Cardiff on a two-month loan.
Fulham were delighted to double their away points tally and are looking forward to another trip to underline their positive form on their travels.
Britannia Stadium. Stoke and Hull last met in the Championship last season with both matches ending in 1-1 draws.
Manager Phil Brown watched the Tigers come back from a 2-1 deficit at Portsmouth to share the points.
He is convinced that their Premier League fairytale will continue.
The Potters, like the real battlers they are, put the 5-0 hiding at Old Trafford behind them as they edged West Brom 1-0 at home.
White Hart Lane. Tottenham are out of the drop zone thanks to their 1-0 win over Blackburn. The Londoners are pleased that finally Roman Pavlyuchenko, a £14m capture from Spartak Moscow, is showing his scoring prowess.
Everton lost at Wigan on Monday but, at least, they should be satisfied with the progress of young Jack Rodwell. He only made his debut last season at the age of 17.
Fratton Park. Tony Adams was so close to chalking up his second win in the league since taking over from Harry Redknapp but Hull fought back to level matters after being down twice. Pompey met the same fate on Thursday night when they were denied by Milan at Fratton Park after enjoying a two-goal lead in a UEFA Cup match.
Although Adams considers Sol Campbell as first choice at centre-back, he also has high hopes that Younes Kaboul could be one for the future.
Paul Ince's Blackburn continue to tumble down the classification and are now a place from bottom after going eight matches without a win.
Riverside Stadium. It was time for Middlesbrough to blow cold and after their win at Aston Villa and the draw at Everton, they went down at home to Bolton.
Consistency continues to elude Boro. This weekend, they face Newcastle in the north-east derby.
Manager Joe Kinnear has handed director of football Dennis Wise a list of transfer targets.
Those who have been calling for Alan Shearer to be given the manager's job, were informed this week that the former England forward will not consider taking over as long as Wise remains at the club.
JJB Stadium. Wigan's 1-0 win over Everton gave them some breathing space at the bottom end of the standings. The Latics will seek to consolidate their position with another three-pointer against lowly West Brom.
Stadium of Light. The home defeat to West Ham left Sunderland just a point above the danger area.
They can atone for their last upset against Bolton, although the Trotters are playing their best football of the season, having won three of the last four matches.