Arsenal
surged past
Liverpool
to claim the top spot in the
Premier League
following a commanding 3-0 victory against
Brighton
on Saturday, while Kevin De Bruyne's brace in
Manchester City
's win over Crystal Palace added to the shift in standings.
Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, and Leandro Trossard found the net for Arsenal, propelling them to 71 points, narrowly edging out Jurgen Klopp's squad who sit at 70 points alongside reigning champions Manchester City.
The upcoming clash between Liverpool and the unpredictable Manchester United at Old Trafford promises to intensify the gripping three-way battle for the title.
Under Mikel Arteta's guidance, Arsenal has showcased impressive form, securing 10 victories in their last 11 league matches. Their resilience and strategic prowess have fortified their style, marking a significant improvement from their struggles in the previous season's final stretch.
Arteta commended his team's maturity and tactical acumen, particularly noteworthy against a formidable opponent like Brighton, who had maintained an unbeaten home record since August.
"In attack and defence we had big performances individually," he told the BBC.
"We missed some big chances but the team looked really connected and had purpose. The last pass and shot to finish the situation could have been better, but it doesn't matter as we kept going."
Arsenal, whose last league title triumph dates back to 2004, asserted their dominance in the first half at the Amex Stadium but relied on a penalty to break the deadlock.
The pivotal moment arrived when Tariq Lamptey fouled Gabriel Jesus, allowing Bukayo Saka to convert the penalty confidently, securing his 14th Premier League goal of the season in the 33rd minute.
Shortly after the hour mark, Arsenal extended their lead as Jorginho provided a precise assist for Kai Havertz to tap in comfortably at the near post. Leandro Trossard then sealed the deal with a skillful chipped finish, making it three for the visitors.
In the early kick-off, Kevin De Bruyne bagged a brace, while Erling Haaland notched his 19th league goal of the season in Manchester City's 4-2 victory at Selhurst Park.
Despite Jean-Philippe Mateta's early goal for the home side, De Bruyne's exquisite curler into the top corner in the 13th minute quickly restored balance for City.
After the break, Rico Lewis put City ahead, followed by a combined effort from De Bruyne and Haaland for the third goal. De Bruyne then secured his brace with a powerful strike in the 70th minute, marking his 100th goal for the club and ensuring victory for City, despite a late consolation goal from substitute Odsonne Edouard.
Pep Guardiola, the City manager, lauded the performance of De Bruyne, especially considering the midfielder's five-month absence due to a hamstring injury sustained in the opening match against Burnley.
"Sometimes it's Phil (Foden), Erling or Julian (Alvarez), today it was Kevin," he said. "Without him we would not be able to win this. You talk about managers but players like Kevin make this game easy."
Everton approached their match against Burnley, who sat second from bottom in the league, with a desperate need for a breakthrough following a 13-match winless streak in the Premier League.
Despite their struggles to assert control, Everton received a stroke of luck when goalkeeper Arijanet Muric's clearance ricocheted off Dominic Calvert-Lewin and into the net during first-half stoppage time.
The victory was crucial for Everton, a club that hasn't competed outside of the English top-flight since the 1953/54 season, as it propelled them four points clear of the relegation zone. However, their precarious position is compounded by the looming threat of a potential second points deduction this season for violating Premier League financial regulations.
Meanwhile, fourth-placed Aston Villa's hopes of securing a Champions League spot took a hit as they squandered a 2-0 lead against Brentford, conceding three goals in nine minutes. Although Ollie Watkins salvaged a draw for Villa with an 80th-minute equalizer, they now sit just three points ahead of Tottenham, who have two games in hand.
In other matches, Luton secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Bournemouth with a 90th-minute goal from Carlton Morris, pulling them level on points with 17th-placed Nottingham Forest in the relegation battle. Newcastle clinched a narrow 1-0 win over Fulham thanks to a late strike from Bruno Guimaraes, while West Ham staged a comeback to beat Wolves 2-1 after falling behind early.
(With AFP inputs)
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