They may have been held to a 1-1 draw at Southampton, but Chelsea ensured that they would be Premier League leaders heading into 2015 on matchday 19.

Second-placed Manchester City failed to capitalise on those dropped points, though, as Burnley fought back to claim a 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium.

Elsewhere, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United played out a 0-0 draw at White Hart Lane, while Arsenal held off a fightback from London rivals West Ham United.

Newcastle United won by the odd goal in five at the expense of Everton, with Merseyside rivals Liverpool recording a routine 4-1 win over Swansea City at Anfield.

Towards the bottom, West Bromwich Albion slumped to a 2-0 defeat away at Stoke City, with Leicester City also ending a long wait for a victory at Hull City. However, in the matches at Villa Park and Loftus Road, no goals were scored.

Here, Sports Mole has reflected on all the action to pick out the 11 most impressive players.

Hugo Lloris (Tottenham Hotspur)
But for the Frenchman's exploits between the posts, Man United would have had the three points wrapped up in North London by the break. The Spurs keeper made several saves, as well as coming off his line to claim numerous crosses.

Kieran Trippier (Burnley)
The right-back defended well against City, but it was his delivery into the penalty area, particularly during the second half, that really caught the eye.
Wes Morgan (Leicester City)
Aside from the fact that he almost scored an own goal, Morgan was a rock at the heart of a Leicester rearguard that kept a much-needed clean sheet at the KC Stadium.
Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal)
The French international showed just how much Arsenal have missed his presence in recent weeks. Having returned to fitness, Koscielny won numerous battles with West Ham frontman Andy Carroll.
Ashley Young (Manchester United)
If there was an award for most improved Man United player this season, Young would win it hands down. Playing at left wing-back once again, he defended well and also caused problems in the final third of the pitch.

Ashley Barnes (Burnley)
His equalising goal at the Etihad was just reward for a great performance from the winger. Barnes did not stop running and was always comfortable in possession.
Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool)
Adam Lallana may have scored two goals, but Coutinho was Liverpool's creative hub against the Swans. The only thing lacking from his lively performance was a goal.
Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea)
The Blues were pedestrian during the first half at the St Mary's Stadium, yet Fabregas remained at his creative best. He assisted Eden Hazard's goal and laid on numerous other chances.
Sadio Mane (Southampton)
The summer signing from Red Bull Salzburg has had an inconsistent start to life on the South Coast, but he showed his potential against Chelsea. His pace caused all sorts of problems and he showed great composure in opening the scoring.

Mame Biram Diouf (Stoke City)
He may have been fortunate with the second of his two goals against West Brom, but he deserved such luck for his energy and persistence.
Ayoze Perez (Newcastle United)
The Spaniard lit up an entertaining clash at St James' Park with some dynamic runs off the ball and a well-taken goal. He also rattled the post late on.

Numpty of the week

Papiss Cisse: With so many cameras at every Premier League game, how Cisse believed that he was going to get away with elbowing Everton full-back Seamus Coleman in the face, only he knows. As expected, he has been charged by the Football Association and is now expected to serve a three-match suspension for violent conduct.

Goal of the week

Fernandinho - (Manchester City) vs. Burnley: There is something extra special about a ball flying into the net via the underside of the crossbar. Fernandinho is by no means a prolific scorer of goals, but his effort against Burnley was one to remember. Having been afforded too much space 25 yards from goal, the Brazilian unleashed a powerful strike that beat Tom Heaton and crashed against the underside of the bar before it crossed the line.