LONDON -- The first weekend of 2011 in the Premier League didn't disappoint. Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal were involved in riveting encounters for one reason or another. Blackpool continued with its all-guns-blazing approach, playing Manchester City tough on the road.

Here are five things we learned:

1. Chelsea still ain't right

When Frank Lampard scored in the 23rd minute against Aston Villa on Sunday, it looked like business as usual for Chelsea. The Blues had just ended a six-game league winless streak, so a surge appeared likely. Villa was on the ropes, too, having lost six of its previous seven matches to edge closer to the relegation zone. It also got crushed by Chelsea 7-1 in March. Furthermore, reports suggest that new manager Gerard Houllier has lost the dressing room.

But a funny thing happened to Chelsea on the way to three points. The Blues took their foot off the gas after Lampard's opener, and teammate Michael Essien, not for the first time, made an ill-timed challenge to earn Villa a penalty. By the time it ended, the 3-3 score resembled the wacky 4-4 tie in 2007 in London.

Chelsea is virtually out of the title race now, six points behind Manchester United while having played one more game. The Blues will have to put most of their focus on the Champions League now.

2. What comes around goes around

Even those who despise Manchester United have to admit the Red Devils got robbed at Birmingham City on Tuesday. As they were nursing a 1-0 lead, towering striker Nikola Zigic's handball went unnoticed, allowing Lee Bowyer to score an 89th-minute equalizer.

On Saturday, the gods were with United as it prevailed 2-1 at West Brom to remain unbeaten and atop the league. Referee Chris Foy was the only one in the stadium who thought right back Gary Neville shouldn't have been sent off for hauling down Graham Dorrans in the United box. Heck, the Baggies didn't even get a penalty. Father Time is catching up with the 35-year-old Neville, who was lucky not to see red at Stoke in October, too.

Birmingham, meanwhile, failed to get a penalty against Arsenal when Robin van Persie handled the ball in the penalty area; it was a no-brainer. As the merry-go-round continued, the Gunners could argue they were owed one, since a blatant Wigan handball in the box went unpunished in Wednesday's 2-2 draw.

So who was the real loser? West Brom. Despite playing pretty soccer, the Baggies have lost four straight.

3. Birmingham and Arsenal don't like each other

Martin Taylor's horrible tackle on Eduardo in 2008 will never be forgotten. It took Taylor a while to recover emotionally, and he's now lining up for Watford in the Championship. Somehow Eduardo physically recovered from his fractured fibula and dislocated ankle, although the diminutive striker never returned to his best in England and joined Shakhtar Donetsk this past summer.

Another tall Birmingham central defender put in a terrible tackle on an Arsenal player Saturday, as Roger Johnson went in hard on Cesc Fabregas. Johnson received only a yellow card, which irked Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger. Fabregas, it turned out, was unhurt.

Bowyer, one of those guys who plays as dirty as he looks, targeted Arsenal right back Bacary Sagna, appearing to stamp on his knee on one occasion. The ref, Peter Walton, didn't spot it.

Birmingham's tough tackles couldn't stop Arsenal. It cruised to a 3-0 win.

"We were aware that we had to match Birmingham physically," Wenger told reporters. "We were prepared to face the challenges, physical challenges."

Another big challenge will come Wednesday. Arsenal, two points behind both United and Manchester City, hosts City.

4. The basement shuffle continues

A week ago West Ham was in serious trouble, languishing in the basement and reportedly on the verge of sacking manager Avram Grant. Two wins and a draw later, the Hammers moved out of the relegation zone and into 16th place. The revival picked up steam Saturday, with West Ham topping Wolves 2-0. Wolves subsequently swapped places with West Ham, tumbling to last place. It was the same old story for Wolves -- they competed well but can't score. So much for their 1-0 win at Liverpool on Wednesday.

5. Even the best miss penalties

Scoring penalties is supposed to be easy, right? Someone forgot to tell Peter Odemwingie.

West Brom ended up getting a spot kick against Manchester United when it was 1-1, but Odemwingie, stuttering after a great start, sent his low kick well wide. It was one of the worst penalties you'll see.

At least he had good, er, bad company. The normally reliable Carlos Tevez missed a penalty versus Blackpool. The Argentine had one of those days, spurning four good chances.

With tired legs thanks to the busy holiday-fixture list, there could be more penalties when the Premier League resumes Tuesday and Wednesday.