Arsenal restored a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League with a 2-1 win over 10-man Chelsea, while Manchester United climbed above Aston Villa and Tottenham’s slide continued.

Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea

Set-pieces again proved decisive at the Emirates. William Saliba opened the scoring on 21 minutes after Gabriel Magalhaes headed Eberechi Eze’s corner back across goal. Chelsea responded in kind when Pedro Hincapie diverted Reece James’ delivery into his own net.

Jurrien Timber settled the contest just after the hour, heading into an empty net after Robert Sanchez misjudged Declan Rice’s corner. It was Arsenal’s 16th league goal from a corner this season, equalling the competition record. Pedro Neto’s red card for two bookings compounded Chelsea’s problems, and a late equaliser was ruled out for offside. Mikel Arteta’s side tightened their grip at the summit.

Manchester United 2-1 Crystal Palace

United remain unbeaten under Michael Carrick after edging Palace at Old Trafford. Maxence Lacroix headed the visitors in front but was later sent off for pulling back Matheus Cunha, conceding a penalty that Bruno Fernandes converted. Fernandes then supplied the cross for Benjamin Sesko to power home the winner, lifting United into third.

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Fulham 2-1 Tottenham

Tottenham’s struggles continued with defeat at Fulham. Harry Wilson and Alex Iwobi struck before half-time, and although Richarlison headed in late on, Spurs remain without a league win in 2026.

Leeds 0-1 Manchester City

City closed to within two points of Arsenal despite Erling Haaland’s absence. Antoine Semenyo scored the only goal at Elland Road to keep Pep Guardiola’s side firmly in contention.

Liverpool 5-2 West Ham

Liverpool’s set-piece efficiency underpinned a high-scoring win at Anfield. Hugo Ekitike, Virgil van Dijk and Alexis Mac Allister all struck from corners before Cody Gakpo added a fourth. West Ham replied twice, but an Axel Disasi own goal sealed the points.

Elsewhere

Brentford beat Burnley 4-3 in a dramatic contest, Everton won 3-2 at Newcastle, Brighton defeated Nottingham Forest 2-1 and Bournemouth drew 1-1 with Sunderland.

At both ends of the table, margins remain tight, with the title race and European chase intensifying.

– AFP

Photo: Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers