Premier League: 8 talking points from the weekend’s football

(1) Etihad draw leaves title in balance

In their last two league games Manchester City have played their two title rivals and achieved the same result in wildly different styles.

Unless Arsenal and City meet in the semi-finals of the Champions League – a rather less enticing prospect now – the next time any two of the current top three will face each other will be in Philadelphia on 31 July, when Liverpool and Arsenal are due to play a friendly.

So the title will now be decided by results against the rest of the division and the good news for fans of fair fights is that the fixtures are remarkably balanced – taking the results of their opponents and adding any points deducted back on.

The average current position of teams still to be faced by City is precisely 10, by Arsenal also 10, and by Liverpool 10.33.

All have reasons to feel this is their year: Arsenal have the benefit of playing one more game at home and one fewer away; City the advantage of playing their harder fixtures at home, precisely where they would want them; and Liverpool get a two-point head start. Simon Burnton

(2) Welbeck should head elsewhere

Danny Welbeck’s Brighton contract runs out in the summer and the striker might be considering where he will start next season.

The 33-year-old scored a fine opener against Liverpool on Sunday and spent 90 minutes hassling defenders as Brighton played on the break.

His workmate was impressive, often joining 10 teammates in the defensive third to slow Liverpool down as much as possible. Welbeck was arguably only starting because João Pedro was injured, while Evan Ferguson, who had not scored in his previous 22 matches, was on the bench.

Considering the more youthful nature of competition for places to lead the