Arsenal strengthened their grip on the Premier League title race by defeating Crystal Palace on Sunday, while rivals Liverpool and Manchester City suffered defeats.
City remain inside the top five, just ahead of local rivals Manchester United, who leapfrogged Liverpool following a third straight win — a 4-2 victory over Brighton on Saturday.
Newly-promoted Sunderland stunned Chelsea to move up to fourth, with Leeds and Burnley also securing victories, suggesting this season’s promoted trio could avoid the usual relegation struggle in the Premier League.
Arsenal’s title to lose
After finishing second in each of the past three seasons, Arsenal appear poised for their first Premier League crown in 22 years under Mikel Arteta.
A 1-0 win over Crystal Palace, once again, showcased the Gunners’ defensive solidity and set-piece strength.
Eberechi Eze scored the only goal — his first league strike against his former club — after Palace failed to clear a Declan Rice free-kick.
Despite not firing on all cylinders in attack, Arsenal’s outstanding defensive record continues to carry them.
The Gunners have conceded just three goals in 13 games across all competitions, opening a six-point lead over Manchester City and seven over Liverpool.
“I probably value this victory more than any other this season,” said Arteta after the match.
El Clasico: Real Madrid beat Barcelona to go top
United’s new frontline shines
Manchester United’s manager, Ruben Amorim, finally has momentum on his side after back-to-back league wins — his first such run in nearly a year.
Saturday’s victory over Brighton marked United’s first home win against the Seagulls in four years.
The club’s expensive attacking trio delivered as Matheus Cunha netted his first goal for United, Bryan Mbeumo scored twice, while Benjamin Sesko provided an assist.
Amorim said: “They have a lot of talent, but I really like how they defend.
“Talent alone isn’t enough in this league — you must fight for every ball.”
With no European distractions, United are making the most of their one-game-per-week rhythm. A top-four finish and a return to the Champions League now look achievable.
Promoted trio shake up status quo
Sunderland are off to the best start from a promoted side for 17 years after coming from behind to win at Stamford Bridge.
Leeds beat West Ham 2-1, while Burnley struck late to win 3-2 at winless Wolves, AFP reported.
For the past two seasons, the likes of West Ham, Wolves, Everton, and Forest have been saved by the struggles of the promoted sides in the Premier League.
EPL: Arsenal beat Crystal Palace to go 4 points clear as Aston Villa defeat Man City
Last season, Ipswich, Southampton, and Leicester combined for just 59 points and 12 wins.
Just over a quarter of the way into the current campaign, Sunderland, Leeds, and Burnley already have 38 points and 11 victories between them — suggesting the new boys are in the Premier League to compete, not just survive.
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