3 talking points from Premier League

Arsenal closed the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool with a dramatic comeback victory at Newcastle, while Liverpool slipped up at Crystal Palace, and Manchester United’s struggles continued with another damaging defeat.

Here are three key talking points from the weekend’s action:

Arsenal show champion spirit

The Gunners ended their run of defeats at St. James’ Park with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Newcastle. After falling behind to Nick Woltemade’s header, Arsenal rallied late, showing the mentality of potential champions.

Mikel Arteta’s substitutions turned the game, with Mikel Merino nodding in the equaliser before Gabriel Magalhaes rose highest to head home a dramatic 96th-minute winner from Martin Odegaard’s cross.

“You have to learn from the past, and we take lessons from very painful moments here,” said Arteta, whose side had lost their previous three visits to Tyneside.

With a relatively kind run of fixtures ahead — facing West Ham, Fulham, Crystal Palace, Burnley, and Sunderland — Arsenal now have a real chance to overtake Liverpool in the title race.

Amorim under pressure

Ruben Amorim’s future at Manchester United is looking increasingly uncertain after a 3-1 defeat at Brentford extended his wait for consecutive league wins.

EPL: Arsenal strike late to stun Newcastle, go second

Defensive frailties and poor goalkeeping once again cost United, who have taken just 34 points from 33 games under Amorim despite heavy investment in the summer transfer window.

The Portuguese coach remained defiant, insisting he is “never concerned about my job” but admitted that his fate is out of his hands.

Pressure is now mounting not just on Amorim, but also on co-owner Jim Ratcliffe and CEO Omar Berrada, who championed his appointment. Failure to beat in-form Sunderland at Old Trafford next weekend could force United’s hierarchy into a decision over his future.

Liverpool’s luck runs out

Liverpool’s perfect start to the season came to an abrupt end with a 2-1 defeat at Crystal Palace.

Arne Slot’s side had been riding their luck with a string of late winners in recent weeks, but Palace — unbeaten in 18 games since April — punished the Reds’ defensive lapses.

Federico Chiesa briefly rescued Liverpool with an 87th-minute equaliser, but Eddie Nketiah volleyed in a stoppage-time winner to send Selhurst Park into raptures.

The defeat cuts Liverpool’s lead at the top, opening the door for Arsenal to leapfrog them in the coming weeks.

The Star