It was an unprecedented Super Sunday in the Premiership when the top four teams took on each other in what felt like a pair of heavyweight championship fights. While second-placed Spurs took on Manchester City in fourth place, the big match was leaders Leicester versus third-placed Arsenal. It lived up to its billing as the two traded blow after blow up to the very end, with cruel referee ­decisions playing a role.

Arsenal emerged victorious, thanks to a last-minute header from Danny Welbeck, making his first appearance as a substitute after nine months out. The match started off at a fast pace with Arsenal having more chances before Leicester eased back into the game. With halftime approaching and the score 0-0, Leicester got a gift in the form of a dubious penalty when Jamie Vardy ran into Arsenal's Nacho Monreal and twisted and fell over. Vardy converted and ­Arsenal went into halftime in shock. In the second half, Arsenal - who had been on the receiving end of both ­cynical fouls from Leicester and the referee's ­decisions - got a break when Leicester's ­Danny Simpson picked up two quick ­yellow cards. Arsenal tried hard, but it took until the 70th minute, when ­substitute Theo Walcott equalized before Welbeck scored in the end.

It was a signature game for Arsenal who were playing at home and needed to win, having been five points behind. Their title bid was on the line, as was their character, and Arsenal rose to the challenge. Manager Arsene Wenger has to be lauded for tactical substitutions that saw forwards Walcott and Welbeck on and defensive midfielder Francis Coquelin sacrificed.

Besides the surprise rise of Leicester from relegation contenders to title favorites, this year's title chase is interesting in that it seems more charming than ruthless, given all the positivity and gushing springing forth, especially over Leicester. With Arsenal and Spurs also in contention, this collection of top four candidates does not have any team ­people can easily hate. Without the presence of a cynical Chelsea or a dominant Manchester United, the title race lacks the normal ruthlessness and mind games of previous seasons. Even Manchester City, flush with Middle Eastern wealth and loaded with stars, are significantly less formidable, and frankly, do not scare anyone. They lost to Spurs Sunday at home and still have not beaten any of the other top six teams at all this season.

Even after Super Sunday, this unusually positive and open title chase is still on. Leicester still lead, Spurs are just two points behind, while Arsenal are behind only on goal difference. Even City , despite their loss, are only four points behind Arsenal.

The author is a Beijing-based freelance writer. hcpyip@gmail.com