Whilst there was no change at the top of the Premier League table, there was some movement among the teams chasing Champions League and Europa League places, whilst the pack at the bottom was once again shuffled.
Manchester City
Manchester City cut Arsenal’s lead at the top of the table with a hard fought win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. The visitors had the lions’ share of procession, but struggled to create too many clear-cut chances against a resolute defence.
Palace though, undid all their good work when they fell asleep at a corner and needlessly conceded a corner, which Erling Haaland duly converted, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way. For the third match in a row Palace failed to have a single shot on target.
Arsenal
Arsenal, though, were able to restore their five point lead at the top with a comprehensive defeat of Fulham on Sunday. All the damage was done in the first-half as the visitors went into the break three goals to the good, Gabriel, Gabriel Martinelli and captain Martin Ødegaard all getting on the scoresheet, whilst Leandro Trossard became the first player in Premier League history to register three assists in the first half of an away game.
Fulham were better after the break, but the Gunners remained in control, and even were given the chance to give Gabriel Jesus some minutes after his long injury lay-off.
Manchester United
Manchester United remains in third, although they dropped points to bottom-side Southampton at Old Trafford with a goalless draw. The main talking point, though, was the red card given to Brazilian midfielder Casemiro midway through the first half, upgraded from the initial yellow shown by the referee on the advice of the VAR official.
The decision appeared harsh, and United may appeal but, if it is not over-ruled, he faces a four game ban.
Liverpool
Having put seven past Manchester United last week, in the space of less than six days, Liverpool went from the sublime to the ridiculous by losing to the side that started the weekend bottom of the table Bournemouth. It was the South Coast side who scored the only goal of the game through Philip Billing in the first half. Liverpool were given a golden chance to equalise when they were generously awarded a penalty in the second half, only for Mo Salah to put his spot kick well wide of the goal.
Tottenham Hotspur
Liverpool’s lapse gave Tottenham the chance to strengthen their hold on a top four place, which they duly did by beating Nottingham Forest at home, relieving some of the pressure on manager Antonio Conte which had built up following their Champions League exit.
Harry Kane took his league haul for the season to 20 goals with a header, followed by a penalty, and Son Heung-min added a third after the break. Joe Worrall managed a consolation effort for the visitors.
Newcastle United
Newcastle United reignited their Champions League ambitions with a battling win over Wolves at St. James Park. Coming into the match after three straight defeats, they took the lead through a first=half header from Swedish striker Alexander Isak, only for that to be cancelled out when substitute Hwang Hee-chan scored with virtually his first touch after coming-on, benefitting from a defensive slip.
But Miguel Almíron, who had also come off the bench, scored the winner with a fine curling effort.
Chelsea
Another manager who will be feeling better about life is Graham Potter, after his side not only won their third match in a row, but found the net three times in the process. Ben Chilwell gave them the lead away at Leicester, only for Patson Daka to rifle home an equaliser. Kai Havertz, though, restored the advantage for the visitors in first-half injury time, and Matteo Kovacić added a third after the resumption.
Leicester finished with ten men after Wout Faes picked up his second booking of the afternoon, and they are now nervously looking over their shoulders after the result left them just above the relegation zone.
Everton
Everton have now moved above them after a narrow home win over Brentford.
They took the lead after just 35 seconds thanks to Dwight McNeil, and created thereafter the better chances, although Demarai Gray’s effort, which would have made things more comfortable for them, was chalked off for offside by VAR.
There were a few scares as the West London side pressed for an equaliser, but they could not find it, as their 12 match unbeaten run came to an end.
Leeds United
Results elsewhere pushed Leeds back into the bottom three again, but they still earned what could be a precious point at home to Brighton.
World Cup winner Alexis MacAllister gave Brighton the lead, only for that to be cancelled out by Patrick Bamford. Brighton regained the lead when Jack Harrison, under pressure, turned a cross into his own net, but he made amends by scoring at the right end, curling home after a short corner was played to him.
West Ham United
West Ham have moved out of the bottom three on goal difference, but their fans were far from impressed with their draw against Aston Villa, and they were booed off the pitch at the end. Ollie Watkins scored his sixth goal in seven games to put the visitors ahead, but West Ham equalised from the penalty spot through Saïd Benrahma.
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