Arsenal look real deal, Newcastle relentless and Tottenham fickle as battle resumes

LONDON : After an unprecedented mid-season shutdown because of the Qatar World Cup, the Premier League burst back to life over the festive holiday with a bumper fixture package.

The 44-day stoppage allowed top-flight managers time to gather their thoughts while those players not involved in Qatar could re-charge their batteries.

Monday's resumption was also a chance for those jostling at the top of the table to lay down a marker and for the strugglers to enjoy a fresh start.

But what did we learn so far from an absorbing holiday programme that concludes later on Wednesday with champions Manchester City taking on Leeds United?

ARSENAL BEGIN WHERE THEY LEFT OFF

When Mikel Arteta's table toppers went behind early on against struggling West Ham United there were mutterings around the Emirates Stadium - with fans perhaps fearing Arsenal's pre-break momentum had been lost.

The way they responded, however, underlined that Arsenal's Christmas lead of the Premier League for the first time since 2007, was justified and they might take some stopping.

There was a swagger about Arteta's side as they hit back with goals by Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Eddie Nketiah to win 3-1 and open a seven-point lead.

Former manager Arsene Wenger, back watching in the stands, would have been impressed as Arsenal showed that a first title since the French coach's 2003-04 triumph is now a real possibility.

NEWCASTLE A MODEL OF CONSISTENCY

Any suggestion Newcastle United might suffer a sense of vertigo during the break were put to bed as they re-started their campaign in sensational fashion to rise into second place.

Boxing Day opponents Leicester City had shown great form ahead of the World Cup, but were blown away on their own turf as Chris Wood, Miguel