Three talking points from Premier League

Arsenal strengthened their push for the Premier League title as Manchester City dropped points, while West Ham’s relegation worries deepened at the weekend.

World class Rice moves Arsenal closer

Declan Rice inspired Arsenal to a dramatic 3–2 win at Bournemouth, scoring twice to help the Gunners open a six-point lead at the top of the Premier League table.

Rice, who had been an injury doubt, delivered a standout performance that underlined manager Mikel Arteta’s belief in him as one of the world’s best, with Arsenal closing in on ending their long title drought.

Arteta said: “He’s constantly adding things to his role in the team.

“I don’t see where he can stop because he can still improve in a lot of areas and he wants to improve. He’s such a pivotal player for us.”

City charge runs out of gas

Manchester City’s title chase faltered after a 1–1 draw with managerless Chelsea, extending a run of dropped points.

Arteta urges Arsenal to break New Year Premier League curse

City manager Pep Guardiola was left frustrated by defensive injuries to Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias, admitting his squad is being stretched as the congested winter schedule takes its toll.

Guardiola said on Sunday: “Of course I have concerns. Have you seen the bench today? It’s three players for the academy and now we will have more.

“We don’t have players. That is the truth.”

West Ham in crisis

At the bottom of the Premier League table, West Ham’s survival hopes suffered a major setback with a 3–0 home defeat to Wolves, a side without a win in 19 games.

The loss left the Hammers four points from safety, with manager Nuno Espirito Santo apologising to fans and admitting it was the worst result of his career, as pressure mounts on his future.

The Star