Manchester United handed Arsenal their first home defeat of the season in a pulsating 3–2 victory on Sunday, throwing the Premier League title race wide open, while Aston Villa closed to within four points of the Gunners with a win over Newcastle.
Villa’s convincing 2–0 success at St James’ Park lifted Unai Emery’s side level on points with Manchester City, whose own title ambitions were strengthened by Arsenal’s stumble at the Emirates.
A week after outclassing City in the Manchester derby, Michael Carrick’s fairytale start as United manager continued as Matheus Cunha struck a stunning late winner.
“It’s a really painful one,” admitted Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta. “Now is the time to stay close to the players who have given us so much and support them.”
Arsenal took the lead through a Lisandro Martínez own goal, but United responded swiftly as Bryan Mbeumo capitalised on a mistake by Martin Zubimendi to equalise. Patrick Dorgu then put the visitors ahead early in the second half with a superb strike.
Despite their lofty league position, Arsenal again struggled to create from open play, though their set-piece strength rescued them late on when Mikel Merino forced home a corner in the 84th minute. Moments later, Cunha unleashed a long-range effort to deliver a decisive blow to Arsenal’s hopes of a first league title in 22 years.
The win also lifted United into the top four, boosting their chances of Champions League qualification for the first time in three seasons.
“To come here, go behind, respond, suffer setbacks and still score three goals shows huge character,” said Carrick.
Villa Keep Title Dream Alive, Chelsea Compound Palace Woes
Aston Villa kept their slim hopes of a first league title since 1981 alive by claiming their first win at St James’ Park in 21 years. Emiliano Buendía opened the scoring with a superb strike from distance before Ollie Watkins sealed victory with a late header from Lucas Digne’s cross.
“We are competing with Arsenal, City, Chelsea, Liverpool, Newcastle, Tottenham — wow, the power they have,” said Emery. “But we are competing and we are there.”
Newcastle slipped to ninth but remain just four points off the top five, which is likely to secure Champions League football.
Chelsea added to Crystal Palace’s misery with a 3–1 victory at Selhurst Park. Palace are now winless in 11 games and were undone by a costly back-pass from Jaydee Canvot that allowed Estevão to break clear and open the scoring. The Brazilian then teed up João Pedro to double Chelsea’s lead after the break, before Enzo Fernández converted a penalty to cap a fourth win in five games for Liam Rosenior.
Nottingham Forest also boosted their survival hopes with a crucial 2–0 win at Brentford — only the Bees’ second home defeat of the season — thanks to goals from Igor Jesus and Taiwo Awoniyi, moving Forest five points clear of the relegation zone.
