6 things we learnt this weekend as the Premier League gets close to season end

Sterling not Gunner material

For all the noise Sterling has been making about his future, during Liverpool's defeat to Arsenal the youngster showed he is nowhere near the finished article. It was a frustrating afternoon for the 20-yearold, during which he made numerous wrong decisions and was unable to open up Arsenal's defence.

£100k per week is what Liverpool were willing to pay Sterling; he rejected it.

Arsenal victim of early form

Arsenal are enjoying a sensational run of form that has seen them win 10 of their last 11 league games.It's title winning form-had they not faltered in the early stages of the campaign.

Olivier Giroud looks like one of the best strikers in the league, Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez would get into any side, the defence looks stable and there is real strength in depth. Those on the bench on Saturday included Kieran Gibbs, Danny Welbeck, Theo Walcott, Tomas Rosicky and Gabriel Paulista. 10 of 11 most recent matches have been won by Arsenal to push them to second

Will Chelsea choke?

Chelsea won yet again despite not playing particularly well. Their 2-1 win over Stoke continues their run of failing to win a league game by more than a single goal since by more than a single goal since January. Winning despite playing poorly is what championship teams do, but having to face Manchester United and Arsenal soon, playing poorly could equally be the sign of chokers in waiting.

Defoe Worth Every Penny Paid

Defoe might have scored just three goals since joining from Toronto in a bigmoney deal, but they've been crucial.His wonder strike was the difference in the Tyne-Wear derby, his goal ensured a point at Swansea and he scored in Sunderland's previous win before Sunday, a 2-0 victory over Burnley.

LIveEnjoying Liverpool rivalry

It was another good weekend for Manchester United as they extended the gap between themselves and those chasing the Champions League qualification places. Speaking in the aftermath of his side's 3-1 win over Aston Villa, Van Gaal seemed to take particular delight in Liverpool's problems. The Manchester United fans haven't always been sure what to make of the former Netherlands coach, but they'll warm to him much quicker if he grasps the importance of United's fiercest rivalry.

Relegation is where the excitement is

This weekend saw the relegation battle come to life with the bottom two sides, QPR and Leicester, picking up three points and the other side in the relegation zone, Burnley, drawing with the Spurs.

Sunderland Aston Villa, Hull and Sunderland (despite their win over Newcastle) are well and truly in the scrap and this weekend's results proved nothing can be taken for granted for the bottom teams.