It was a weekend that saw seeds of hope emerge for teams
On the latest episode of Liquid Football, we quieten things down from the wildness of the Christmas quiz, as host Kelly Cates discusses a busy weekend of football with Steve Sidwell and Wayne Bridge.
Unsurprisingly the first topic of conversation is Manchester United's stunning Manchester derby victory over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
The win follows that against Tottenham Hotspur last week, and led the panel to wonder whether this team and this manager - who for weeks had been under increasing pressure - may be about to show their true potential and challenge for a Champions League spot.
As Liverpool went 14 points ahead of last season's champions, Bridge and Sidwell both reveal their doubts over whether City can meaningfully mount a challenge. Indeed, both believe Brendan Rodgers' Leicester City side to be the Reds' true threat from behind.
After a rapturous victory over Chelsea at Goodison Park, the panel praise the clear impact of Everton caretaker manager Duncan Ferguson, and discuss how being a youth and assistant coach with a team can give a caretaker that extra edge in terms of team chemistry.
Finally, they talk about putting your opponents off, including how Bobby Zamora used to scream to distract opponents when the ball was dropping from the air.
