Kevin De Bruyne's explosive return to Premier League action inspired Manchester City to a dramatic 3-2 win at Newcastle and sent a warning to the defending champions' title rivals.
City climbed to second and within two points of leaders Liverpool, who had the weekend off for their winter break.
Aston Villa failed to take advantage and move joint top as they were held 0-0 in a bad-tempered clash at Everton.
Honours were also even at Old Trafford as a 2-2 draw with Tottenham did little to aid Manchester United's hopes of a top-four finish.
AFP Sport looks at three talking points from the Premier League weekend:
CITY POISED TO POUNCE
De Bruyne came off the bench to score and set up Oscar Bobb's stoppage time winner at St. James' Park on his first Premier League appearance for five months after a serious hamstring injury.
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