Key Takeaways from Week 16 Premier League Action

The Premier League continued to enthral, as Week 16 brought with it plenty of talking points ahead of the busiest period of the season.

Manchester United and Arsenal defied their critics with clinical displays, while Southampton's alarming drop-off in form showed no signs of abating as they suffered a shock defeat to Burnley. 

Here are the key takeaways from Week 16's Premier League action.

Manchester United Emerge as Title Contenders

United made it six wins in a row with a 3-0 victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday, as Wayne Rooney, Juan Mata and Robin van Persie got on the scoresheet (seen at 0:09, 1:10 and 3:16 in the highlights video below).

Prior to the game, United were subject to criticism from former player Gary Neville and assistant manager Mike Phelan. Neville joked on Sky Sports that the match against Liverpool could resemble a pub game, while in an interview with Gareth Platt and Nick Howson of the International Business Times, Phelan criticised manager Louis van Gaal for his approach to training.

Jon Super/Associated Press

However, the Red Devils are now third in the Premier League and have narrowed the gap to eight points between themselves and league leaders Chelsea. The streak also included victories away at Southampton and Arsenal, as United scored 13 and conceded just three in that time.

Despite this, some continue to doubt United's title credentials, such as the Daily Mirror's Oliver Holt:

"

Still don't think there's any way United will win the title but do think they will finish top four. Big step on road to their recovery

— Oliver Holt (@OllieHolt22) December 14, 2014"

However, United are entering the Christmas period at the perfect time.

Sunday's win will help United maintain morale and momentum, and without a League Cup quarter-final to worry about—unlike rivals Chelsea—they have a huge opportunity to rack up points quickly.

Speaking to the BBC after the game, Van Gaal refused to be drawn on United's title chances (1:54 in the video below).

Van Gaal also stated his belief that his side can still improve. He said: "We have to improve our playing style, and I'm saying that nearly every week. ... You can kill the game much easier, and we have to learn that and improve."

Nevertheless, with David de Gea in such fine form (see his saves at 2:17 and 2:50 in the highlights video and the tweet below) and their front line—still missing Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao—firing on all cylinders, United have proved themselves genuine contenders.

While United are still underdogs compared to Chelsea and Manchester City, they can have a far bigger say in the title race than many predicted at the start of the season.

When they eventually reach top form, without Europe to divert their attention, the Red Devils could find themselves atop the Premier League throne far sooner than they thought. 

Olivier Giroud Can Reinvigorate Arsenal's Season

Arsenal have had their fair share of criticism this season, particularly in the wake of their 3-2 defeat to Stoke City on 6 December.

Just seven months after winning the FA Cup, a vocal section of Arsenal supporters were calling for Arsene Wenger's head with their team out of the title race.

Paul Gilham/Getty Images

However, two comprehensive 4-1 victories against Galatasaray and an in-form Newcastle United have brightened Arsenal's campaign considerably.

Key to the latter victory was Olivier Giroud, who put the Magpies' defence to the sword with a marvelous brace which included this delightful near-post finish:

The Gunners have been without Giroud for much of the season after the Frenchman broke his foot in August. The 28-year-old has now scored three in his five short appearances since his return.

Arsene Wenger told Max Jones of Arsenal.com:

"

I believe in his mentality.

Our fitness coaches told me that he was extremely motivated and that’s why he came back so quickly.

He gives us different options because we can go for a longer ball. We have plenty of players who can play short and he gives us a variety in our game.

"

John Cross of the Daily Mirror echoed a similar sentiment.

It is this extra dimension that will make Arsenal's attack even more potent.

Giroud's stature and power gives Arsenal some much-needed height and aerial ability going forward—not to mention his ability to help defend set pieces—and will ease the overreliance on Alexis Sanchez. 

What's more, the striker is great at link-up play, as he showed in assisting Jack Wilshere's phenomenal goal against Norwich last year:

With Giroud back in the side and a favourable tie against Monaco in the UEFA Champions League, things are looking positive for Arsene Wenger.

A title challenge is still beyond the Gunners, but a top-four spot and a strong European campaign beckon.

Southampton Continue to Struggle

Southampton's misery continued in Week 16, as they lost 1-0 to Burnley at Turf Moor.

Ronald Koeman's side have now lost four games in a row, scoring only once and conceding seven.

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Thanks to their excellent start to the season, the Saints remain in fifth place and have the joint-best defensive record in the Premier League. It also pays to remember that three of those defeats came to Man City, Arsenal and Man United.

However, with the likes of a resurgent Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle behind them, Southampton could drop sharply down the table if they don't arrest this slide.

Speaking to Tom Biggs of Saintsfc.co.uk after the game, Koeman admitted his frustration at Southampton's failure to take their chances:

The confidence enjoyed by the likes of Graziano Pelle and Dusan Tadic (seen missing a penalty below at 0:35) appears to have dried up, which is a serious concern for Koeman.

While they're certainly still in contention for a Europa League place, Southampton now have an air of vulnerability about them.

Up next for them in the league is a crucial game against Everton which will determine what the Saints are really made of. In front of a home crowd and against the Toffees' error-prone defence, Southampton will get plenty of chances to score again. 

Whether or not they take those chances could define the rest of their season.