7 Truths: Leicester are for real, Arsenal are in big trouble

Leicester City have been top of the league for long enough now that it really shouldn’t be a surprise to see them put in top-class performances, but very few pundits still seemed to be taking them seriously as genuine title contenders before tonight. But surely nobody will be underestimating the Foxes after their second half dismantling of Liverpool, where Jamie Vardy showed that there’s much more to his game than just startling speed. Vardy’s stunning opener and clinically-taken second displayed the range of skills that he has a finisher, and Liverpool's centre-back pairing of Dejan Lovren and Mamadou Sakho will simply be thanking their lucky stars that they don’t have to face the England striker again this season after enduring a torrid evening. Claudio Ranieri’s side can do no wrong right now and a win at the Etihad on Saturday will put the title well within reach.

Benik Afobe bagged the winner as Bournemouth beat Crystal Palace 2-1. They are now up to 15th in the league some seven points clear of Newcastle in 18th. The Cherries have struggled for goals but in Afobe they may have found a reliable frontman. He has bagged three in four starts and is only 22. If he continues at even half that rate then Bournemouth have secured themselves one hell of a bargain.

It is Groundhog Day in the United States today, and Arsenal got into the festival spirit buy fulfilling their annual role of Premier League title favourites at Christmas, and also-rans by the start of February.

Admittedly, that may be an over-harsh analysis following Tuesday's goalless draw at home to Southampton– the Gunners are still in the hunt for the Premier League and could still secure a first title since 2004 if Alexis Sanchez returns to full fitness and form following a season plagued by injuries.

Arsenal sit five points behind leaders Leicester City with 14 matches to play, and face the Foxes at the Emirates Stadium on 14 February, but Arsene Wenger's side seem to lack momentum, and have failed to score in their last Premier League matches.

Don't expect the supporters to show much love towards their team at the Emirates if they fail to close the gap on Claudio Ranieri's unlikely high-fliers on Valentine's Day.

For most of Louis van Gaal's time at Manchester United, he has instructed his side to keep possession at the expense of doing literally everything else. As a result they have pass-pass-passed until they've lost the ball, and then conceded. Even Norwich City worked out the way to beat them was to sit back and wait for a mistake. Against Stoke, it was a different approach. As in the match against Derby, they appeared to have permission to actually run with or without the ball, and pass to each other quickly, allowing their players to take advantage of their talents. Wayne Rooney, Anthony Martial, Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata all exploited space and made the most of their talents in the opening half an hour, and then again early in the second half. If they want to qualify for the Champions League, Van Gaal should take note of how they won tonight.

It was not fluid, languid Manchester City that we are used to watching but it mattered not in the end. This was a hard-fought, battling performance that will please outgoing Manuel Pellegrini just as much. With Leicester keeping up their remarkable run, this three points could prove vital in keeping them in touch. It’s what great teams and players in all sports seem to have a knack of doing when they need to. Winning when not at their best.

It’s hard not to feel sorry for Aston Villa, bottom of the league on 13 points in 24 games, relegation seems a foregone conclusion - even with a heady run of three games unbeaten, going into tonight's game. At least it probably would have seemed heady to a team that has only won two games, this season.

Remi Garde, who admitted earlier in the week that his signature-less transfer window was largely caused by the currently unappealing prospect of a place on the Villa team to any player worth having, would have been deeply frustrated by tonight's game. Admittedly West Ham were looking at best lacklustre, but nonetheless it was an energetic start by the Villains who did tremendously well to ward off any goals from their opponents for the first 58 minutes. A respectable defensive effort made in a difficult game - with only 10 men - makes you wonder if they ought really to have won at least three games, this season.

Harry Kane will get the headlines for his double at Norwich, but Dele Alli set the ball rolling with a goal after 100 seconds and winning a penalty 28 minutes later. And he did it all on the back of a weekend where he’s been ill. Mauricio Pochettino afforded himself the luxury of withdrawing his wonderkind at half-time, and Spurs will be hoping the jewel in their crown is fighting fit for Saturday’s game against Watford.