Chelsea return from the Club World Cup in a healthier position than they might have anticipated.
In the seven days the Blues were in Abu Dhabi, the chasing pack behind them failed to take advantage or leave Thomas Tuchel and co sweating in the race for the top four.
Chelsea remain in third and will feel pretty secure for now.
Tottenham lost to both Southampton and Wolves, West Ham beat Watford but could only draw against Leicester while Manchester United drew with Burnley and Southampton.
Arsenal could still close the gap to just two points if they win their two games in hand of the Blues, but the Gunners also have a game against Tuchel's side to catch up on.
Perhaps most unsurprisingly was that Liverpool and Manchester City were able to win both of their matches in the Premier League, with the Citizens clearly holding the advantage in the race for the title.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of City’s clash with Norwich City, Pep Guardiola said: “We want to fight to win the Premier League.
“We will have to win an incredible amount of points. The margin against Liverpool is nothing, it’s nothing.
“We have to win a lot, a lot, a lot, a lot of games. A lot. Many, many points more than 90.
“Arrive 90, 90, 90, 95, 96 and to be champions. I’m pretty sure of that right now, for sure, definitely.”
The Blues currently sit on 47 points with 14 matches remaining, meaning they can only amass 89 points in their challenge.
As things stands Chelsea are 16 points behind league leaders Man City, who have played a game more, and seven behind Liverpool. The title is a long way off but the race for second is still on and a lot can change in six matches.
Chelsea’s next six Premier League matches
Crystal Palace (A) - February 19
The Blues make the trip to Selhurst Park looking to earn their second win of the season over the Eagles, who will of course be without Conor Gallagher.
Patrick Vieira's side have not won in the league since December.
Burnley (A) - March 5
The Premier League's bottom side managed to pick up a point against Manchester United and were unfortunate to not do the same against Liverpool as the Reds picked up a narrow 1-0 win at the weekend.
The Blues will hope to better the draw they earned at Stamford Bridge.
Newcastle (H) - March 13
Chelsea comfortably dispatched Newcastle in October thanks to two strikes from Reece James and a Jorginho penalty. Perhaps James will make his return in time to torment the Geordies once again, though Eddie Howe's side have improved since the transfer window.
Norwich (A) - March 19
A team Chelsea truly dominated in the last match the teams competed. The Canaries will be without Billy Gilmour but they are probably more in a battle for survival than many expected before Dean Smith's arrival.
Brentford (H) - April 2
Brentford have failed to win since their first match of the year against Aston Villa but will have the opportunity to build momentum against the likes of Newcastle, Norwich and Burnley in the build up to their clash with the Blues.
Southampton (A) - April 9
Saints have managed to draw with Man City twice this season and beat Manchester United, as well as push Chelsea close at Stamford Bridge this season. They cannot be underestimated but if Armando Broja continues his impressive form, he will be a big loss for the South Coast side.
Manchester City’s next six Premier League matches
Tottenham Hotspur (A) - February 19
Everton (A) - February 26
Manchester United (H) - March 6
Crystal Palace (A) - March 14
Brighton (H) - March 19
Burnley (A) - April 2
Liverpool's next six Premier League matches
Norwich City (H) - February 19
Leeds United (H) - February 23
West Ham (H) - March 5
Brighton (A) - March 12
Manchester United (H) - March 20
Watford (H) - April 2
