As Premier League weekends go... it probably isn't one that will live long in the memory.
Four of the nine fixtures were goalless draws, but there were still plenty of talking points to emerge as three of the big boys dropped points.
Manchester City were an Ederson penalty save away from losing their 100 per cent record at Crystal Palace while Manchester United failed to break down Southampton at Old Trafford.
Arsenal dropped points at West Brom courtesy of a late, controversial Jay Rodriguez penalty.
Here are 10 talking points from the weekend's action...
1. City show frustration
By Neil McLeman
Kevin De Bruyne shouted in frustration at Leroy Sane after the German checked his run just as the Belgian passed into space.
And Sane was booked for kicking the ball away in first half injury time – and could have seen a second yellow in the second half for a silly foul on Zaha.
Even Pep Guardiola looked far from his calm self on the bench.
2. Hodgson gives tactical masterclass
By Neil McLeman
The former England manager had promised to go “toe to toe” with the Premier League leaders – and Wilf Zaha was free to roam and pinned back Kyle Walker.
But he also deployed Dutch defender Jairo Riedewald in central midfield along with Luka Milivojevic to contain City and the rampant Kevin De Bruyne.
Hodgson's plan worked better than attempts by Jose Mourinho and Rafa Benitez to stifle City.
If he only he had set up the Three Lions like that against a similarly superior side in Iceland at Euro 2016. And unlike Joe Hart that night, Welshman Wayne Hennessey was immense in goal.
3. Lukaku gets the rest he needs after nasty clash of heads
By David McDonnell
Romelu Lukaku had played every minute of every Premier League game this season, with Jose Mourinho admitting he needed a rest but was unable to afford him one.
But a clash of heads with Wesleu Hoedt after seven minutes ensured Lukaku would play no further part in the game, with the striker now getting the rest Mourinho said he required, albeit in unfortunate circumstances.
No chances can be taken with head injuries and it is unlikely Lukaku will be passed fit to return to face former club Everton on New Year's Day, with just 48 hours between the fixtures.
4. Mkhitaryan lacking form and sharpness
By David McDonnell
Henrikh Mkhitaryan was handed his first Premier League start since November 5, having been exiled by Mourinho for several weeks for “disappearing” in games according to the United boss.
Rather than in the No.10 role which he has been accustomed to playing, Mkhitaryan was deployed out on the left, but struggled.
When Marcus Rashford broke at speed on the counter-attack after 20 minutes and surged into the area along with Jesse Lingard, all Mkhitaryan had to do was dispatch the ball into the danger area, but succeeded in over-hitting his delivery to waste the opening.
He was subbed with 20 minutes left, his withdrawal and the introduction of Anthony Martial cheered by United fans.
5. Van Dijk can't answer all Liverpool's prayers
By David Maddock
The arrival of Virgil van Dijk will no doubt help, but fans must not expect him to be a heal-all cure. The lack of concentration and ruthless instinct runs throughout this Liverpool team.
Take Mo Salah, he scored a two fine goals again, to win the match and prove he is an outstanding finisher. Yet – and it is almost churlish to say this - before then, he missed three absolute sitters.
His record this season shows how good he is in front of goal, but sometimes he is simply too casual, as are his front line colleagues.
The talent is there, they can be devastating, but maybe it comes a little too easily at times, and they get, if not complacent, then at least over-confident.
6. The sky's the limit for Klopp's men
By David Maddock
Liverpool have lost just five Premier League games in the whole of 2017 – which is usually the sort of record to win titles. That they are so far away from the top of the league is purely down to drawing far too many games.
It is often overlooked that they are still a very young side, and inexperience certainly plays a part in their failure to win matches as many matches as they should.
It means there is something to work on still, and 2018 must see a more ruthless mentality emerge. If it does, then with talent of the likes of Salah, they can go to wherever they want.
7. Chelsea go back in time
By Adrian Kajumba
It was just like the old Leicester days in the heart of Chelsea's midfield against Stoke.
Danny Drinkwater and N'Golo Kante revived their Foxes title winning midfield partnership against Stoke, appearing in a midfield two for Chelsea for the first time.
And just like as they did so often a couple of seasons ago the duo ran the show.
Kante was the more disciplined half of the pairing, holding his position and sweeping up. And that allowed Drinkwater to do a pretty good impression of Cesc Fabregas and pull the strings.
He made full use of all the time and space Stoke gave him to show off his long-passing range. Some of the passes he sprayed to the left and right flanks were excellent.
And he capped his display with Chelsea's second goal, an excellent dipping volley.
There is no shortage of competition in the heart of Chelsea's midfield but Drinkwater is high quality option for Antonio Conte to have. Especially against opponents as obliging as Stoke.
8. Off day for Alvaro
By Adrian Kajumba
Chelsea's No.9 will surely have to be much more clinical at the Emirates on Wednesday.
Morata should have had a hat-trick but blew two one-on-ones and tried to over-complicate another chance when it appeared easier to just shoot.
If ever there was time for the Spaniard to have an off day it was today.
Chelsea had no problem getting goals from elsewhere even without the rested Eden Hazard. And he can probably be allowed one after this impressive 13-goal start to his Chelsea career.
But that is unlikely to be the case for Chelsea's main striker against Arsenal.
9. Arsenal lack a cutting edge without Ozil
By Aaron Flanagan
You only truly realise how important Mesut Ozil is when he isn't there.
Arsenal struggled for possession and creativity from the first whistle at the Hawthorns - something Ozil gives you in abundance.
Jack Wilshere provided a little bit of a spark in the middle of the park but there were little other outlets for Arsenal in terms of creativity.
Alex Iwobi doesn't have the ability to be a long-term replacement, so if Ozil is going to leave in the summer - or indeed in the next month - a top quality alternative must be brought in.
10. Sanchez can still be the difference for Arsenal
By Aaron Flanagan
After reports this week of a rift in the Arsenal dressing room, Alexis Sanchez had the perfect chance to prove he is on the same wavelength as his team-mates.
He took the opportunity with both hands.
As Arsenal were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the penalty area, they needed their big game name to step up - and that he did.
He got a little lucky with the deflection, but he was clinical all the same.
And with a passionate celebration, he appears to have no trouble with his commitment to the club.