Three talking points from the Premier League weekend

At the other end of the table, Manchester United and Tottenham are looking over their shoulders at the relegation zone after dismal defeats on Sunday.

Bournemouth brought Newcastle's winning streak to a stunning halt to further their case for a first ever European campaign next season.

Seismic Saturday in the title race

After the 90 minutes had come and gone at the Gtech Community Stadium, it looked like Arsenal could close to within two points of Liverpool with victory over Villa. By the end of the day, the Reds had rescued a 2-0 win and their lead was six points, with a game in hand.

The much-maligned Nunez has fallen down the pecking order under Arne Slot. But the Uruguay striker doubled his Premier League goal tally for the season with a stoppage-time brace to prevent Liverpool dropping points for the third consecutive game.

Arsenal should still have narrowed the leaders' advantage to four after they led Villa 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium. However, uncharacteristically sloppy defending cost the Gunners as Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins snatched a point for the visitors in a huge day in the title race.

Nottingham Forest may still harbour dreams of a title challenge. A 3-2 win over Southampton on Sunday took Nuno Espirito Santo's team level with second-placed Arsenal. But third-placed Forest are unlikely to last the course to leave Liverpool closing in on just a second league title in 35 years.

 

January 19, 2025

'Worst Man Utd in history'

Ruben Amorim's summation of the sorry state of Manchester United was stark as he labelled his side the worst in the club's rich history. On an emotional day at Old Trafford, United paid tribute to one of their all-time greats in Denis Law.

The home support then witnessed another example of how far United have fallen as Brighton stormed to a third consecutive victory at the Theatre of Dreams, where they had never won prior to 2022.

"We are the worst team maybe in the history of Manchester United," said Amorim. "I am saying that because we have to acknowledge that and to change that." The Portuguese coach has won just three of 11 league matches since taking charge in November.

"Everybody here is underperforming," added Amorim. "It's unacceptable to lose so many games, for any Premier League club - imagine Manchester United." Tottenham are two places below United in the table in 15th after a 3-2 defeat at Everton.

Yet, the struggles of the three promoted clubs looks set to save both fallen giants from a relegation battle. Southampton are on course to be the worst team in Premier League history with six points from 22 games.

Leicester have lost seven consecutive league games, while Ipswich were thrashed 6-0 by a rejuvenated Manchester City on Sunday.

Bournemouth dare to dream

Manchester City's stroll at Portman Road took them back into the top four, but only five points separate the champions from Fulham in 10th. Among those challenging for a place in next season's Champions League are Bournemouth thanks to a club record 10-game unbeaten run in the top flight.

Newcastle's own nine-match winning streak came to a crashing halt as Justin Kluivert's hat-trick helped the Cherries to a 4-1 win.

"We are here to make an impression," said Kluivert, who scored more Premier League goals at St James' Park in one afternoon than his dad Patrick managed in a whole season at Newcastle in 2004/05. "Why not dream big and let's see where we can end up," Kluivert junior said.