EPL: Arsenal whip Burnley to extend lead as N’Forest end Man Utd winning run

Arsenal thrashed Burnley 2-0 on Saturday to open up a seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League, while struggling Nottingham Forest held in-form Manchester United to a 2-2 draw.

Arsenal have won five league games in a row to position themselves as firm favourites to end their painful two-decade wait to be crowned English champions.

Viktor Gyokeres headed Arsenal ahead following a Declan Rice corner in the first half at Turf Moor for his first league goal since mid-September.

England midfielder Rice himself headed home to double the visitors’ lead in the 35th minute and put them in total control.

Arsenal, who have now won nine games in a row in all competitions, have enviable options in attack but their team is built on a rock-solid defence that has conceded just three league goals in 10 games this season.

Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United, seeking their fourth straight league win, appeared set to climb to second in the table when leading 1-0 at the City Ground courtesy of Casemiro’s first-half opener.

But Forest, who had not scored a league goal since September 20, roared back after the break as their confidence flooded back.

Morgan Gibbs-White headed the home side level in the 48th minute before Nicolo Savona tapped in just two minutes later to complete a dramatic turnaround.

Amad Diallo levelled with a sweet volley in the 81st minute to rescue a point for United, who have been much improved in recent weeks after a poor start to the season.

EPL fixtures: Liverpool host Aston Villa as Chelsea face Tottenham

Rock-bottom Wolves are an alarming eight points from safety after a miserable 3-0 defeat against Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Crystal Palace won for the first time in four league games, courtesy of a header from Jean-Philippe Mateta and an own goal from Brentford’s Nathan Collins, which made it 2-0.

Danny Welbeck also netted his sixth Premier League goal of the season and there were also two for Diego Gomez as Brighton pummelled Leeds 3-0.

Tottenham are currently hosting London rivals Chelsea in the early evening game with the chance to climb to second in the table.

Champions Liverpool host Aston Villa in the late kick-off, desperate to end a four-match losing streak that has derailed their title defence.

Bournemouth will travel to face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

The Star