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5 things we learned in the Premier League this weekend: Aguero influential again

Phil Noble / Reuters

With another weekend of Premier League action in the books, we take a look back at some of what we learned from the latest slate of matches.

Aguero, Manchester City battle back from injury issues

In the buildup to this weekend's fixtures, BBC Sport released this table comparing the injuries suffered by Premier League clubs:

Obviously there are stories behind the numbers. Leicester has had it even easier than the table suggests: Matty James has contributed to a huge chunk of the days missed but it is unlikely he would trouble the Foxes' lineup. Arsenal, meanwhile, hasn't had it too bad - until you see that the majority of the layoffs hit the midfield.

Manchester City has been one of the worst hit, but arguably its most talented player, Sergio Aguero, is returning to form after hamstring and heel issues.

Related: 3 takeaways from Manchester City's Aguero-inspired victory over Crystal Palace

He could've bagged a hat trick in the 4-0 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday were it not for his selflessness in setting up David Silva for the final strike, and the Argentine hitting his rhythm again is a huge boost for City's title charge.

Spurs make snappy return to winning ways

Considering the amount of investment Daniel Levy has overseen since he became chairman of Tottenham in 2001, the club has underachieved. The 2014 appointment of Mauricio Pochettino, however, seemed to change the club's mentality in the transfer market. Buy young and pay less is the new modus operandi.

The kids continue to shine for Spurs, but most pleasing for its Argentine gaffer would have been the performance of Christian Eriksen in the 4-1 dismissal of Sunderland. He bagged two goals after a run of 13 goalless outings.

As a further boost to this exciting generation, the cultured Eriksen is still just 23 years old.

Cherries blossom against Norwich

Charlie Daniels continues to impress in his opportunity handed to him through Tyrone Mings' injury. Matt Ritchie was unavailable, and in his stead Marc Pugh was superb and pivotal in creating the first two goals. New signing Benik Afobe got his first Premier League goal and Bournemouth's third, while fellow newcomer Lewis Grabban sat out against the side he left five days earlier, Norwich City.

Maybe this Cherries side has some genuine depth - better than that of its rivals toward the bottom of the division. Better than that of its victim on Saturday.

There is talent in Alex Neil's squad - Robbie Brady, Wes Hoolahan, and Nathan Redmond spring to mind - but the strikeforce is lacking and the fact that the lumbersome Sebastien Bassong has been ever-present at the back is worrying.

Expect Neil to spend every penny of the £8-million Grabban sale - and more. A deal for Swiss international defender Timm Klose appears to be close.

To see a list of completed deals in the January window thus far, visit theScore's Premier League transfer tracker.

Smash-and-grab win for Manchester United at Anfield

Manchester United looked as if it would settle for a draw at Anfield, but instead took all the spoils via a late Wayne Rooney wallop.

Related: 3 takeaways from Manchester United's snatched triumph at Liverpool

The match served as evidence of why Liverpool should strengthen its strikeforce. Roberto Firmino is not an out-and-out striker, but with Daniel Sturridge, Danny Ings, and Divock Origi all sidelined, Jurgen Klopp has little choice with just the Brazilian and Christian Benteke left as recognised forwards.

Not that United defender Phil Jones, who was watching the match from the away end, minds:

Phil Jones celebrating - Streamable

Everton punished by another 98th-minute goal

Roberto Martinez's Everton side was dealt another late blow on Saturday, having two points snatched away after the allotted injury time via John Terry's backheel in the 98th minute. It was offside, too:

(Courtesy: @AFCSupremo)

The disappointment in the thriller at Chelsea follows the loss suffered against Bournemouth in November, when Junior Stanislas nodded in a leveller in the final moments.

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