Premier League Roundup: Arsenal beat Chelsea as Man United rise and Liverpool hit five
Arsenal restored their advantage at the top of the Premier League with a dramatic 2–1 victory over Chelsea, while Manchester United climbed into third and Liverpool delivered a five-goal statement against West Ham in a weekend packed with pivotal results across England’s top flight.
The latest round of fixtures also deepened relegation fears for Tottenham Hotspur and Burnley, while Manchester City kept the title race alive with a hard-fought win at Leeds.
Arsenal edge Chelsea to maintain title charge
Arsenal strengthened their grip on the title race with a 2–1 win over Chelsea at the Emirates, reclaiming a five-point lead at the summit. Defenders William Saliba and Jurrien Timber scored for the Gunners, once again highlighting Arsenal’s deadly efficiency from set pieces.
Saliba opened the scoring midway through the first half after Gabriel Magalhães redirected a delivery from Eberechi Ezeback across goal. Chelsea briefly restored parity when Pedro Hincapié inadvertently turned a cross from Reece James into his own net.
But Arsenal regained control shortly after the hour mark. Timber headed into an empty net after goalkeeper Robert Sánchez misjudged a corner from Declan Rice. The goal marked Arsenal’s 16th Premier League goal from a corner this season, equalling a league record.
Chelsea’s hopes of salvaging a result faded when Pedro Neto was sent off after two quick yellow cards, the club’s ninth red card of the campaign. With the win, Mikel Arteta’s side move closer to a first league title in 22 years, while Chelsea remain outside the Champions League qualification places.
Manchester United continue surge under Carrick
At Old Trafford, Manchester United extended their unbeaten run under interim boss Michael Carrick with a 2–1 comeback win over Crystal Palace. Palace struck first when Maxence Lacroix rose highest to head home a corner from Brennan Johnson.
The turning point came just before the hour mark when Lacroix was sent off for hauling down Matheus Cunha inside the penalty area. Bruno Fernandes converted the spot-kick before creating the winner moments later. His curling cross was met by a powerful header from Benjamin Šeško.
Šeško’s goal was his seventh in eight matches, reinforcing the impact of the £74 million striker after a slow start to life in England. The victory lifts United to third place and strengthens their push for a return to the Champions League.
Manchester City stay close in title race
Manchester City kept the pressure on Arsenal with a narrow 1–0 victory away to Leeds United. City were without star striker Erling Haaland but still found a way to secure three vital points.
New signing Antoine Semenyo proved decisive, scoring the only goal of the match, his sixth in 11 games since arriving last month. The victory keeps City within touching distance of Arsenal and sets up a crucial showdown between the two title contenders next month.
Tempers flared after the final whistle as Leeds manager Daniel Farke was shown a red card following a heated exchange with referee Peter Bankes.
- Related Article: Champions League last-16 draw: Real Madrid vs Manchester City headlines knockout stage
Liverpool hit five as set-piece strength continues
Liverpool produced a 5–2 victory over West Ham United at Anfield to climb into fifth place. The hosts dominated the first half through set pieces. Goals from Hugo Ekitike, Virgil van Dijk and Alexis Mac Allisterall came from corners.
Liverpool have transformed their efficiency from dead-ball situations since the turn of the year under manager Arne Slot. Cody Gakpo added another after the break before an own goal by Axel Disasi sealed the win.
West Ham managed second-half responses through Tomáš Souček and Valentín Castellanos but remain in the relegation zone.
Tottenham’s slide continues
Tottenham’s struggles worsened after a 2–1 defeat to Fulham at Craven Cottage. Goals from Harry Wilson and Alex Iwobi gave Fulham a comfortable lead before Richarlison scored a late consolation.
The result leaves Tottenham without a league win in 2026 and just four points above the relegation zone. Interim manager Igor Tudor admitted his side faces serious problems.
Brentford and Everton secure dramatic wins
Elsewhere, Brentford edged a thrilling 4–3 victory over Burnley. Brentford raced into a three-goal lead through Mikkel Damsgaard, Igor Thiago and Kevin Schade before Burnley staged a dramatic comeback.
Damsgaard eventually sealed the victory in stoppage time after a late Burnley equaliser was ruled out by VAR. Meanwhile, Everton boosted their European hopes with a 3–2 win at Newcastle United. Goals from Jarrad Branthwaite, Beto and Thierno Barry secured the points for David Moyes’ side.
Brighton win, Bournemouth extend unbeaten run
Brighton & Hove Albion defeated Nottingham Forest 2–1 thanks to goals from Diego Gómez and Danny Welbeck.
Forest remain just two points above the relegation zone. Meanwhile, AFC Bournemouth stretched their unbeaten run to eight matches after drawing 1–1 with Sunderland.
SportsLigue