London: Title contenders Arsenal strengthened their grip at the top of the Premier League table with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Chelsea, while Manchester United boosted their Champions League hopes by defeating Crystal Palace by the same scoreline in Sunday’s round of matches.
Arsenal restored their five-point lead over defending champions Manchester City after Jurriën Timber headed home the winner in the second half at the Emirates Stadium.
The victory keeps Mikel Arteta’s side firmly on course for their first league title since 2004.
The Gunners took the lead through William Saliba, who scored from a corner in the 21st minute. Chelsea levelled before the break after an own goal by Piero Hincapié, but Timber’s header in the 66th minute proved decisive despite late pressure from the visitors.
Arsenal’s dominance from set-pieces has been a defining feature of their campaign. The North London side have now equaled the Premier League record for most goals from corners in a single season with 16, with nine matches still remaining. They have also taken the lead from a corner nine times this season — matching Southampton’s 1994-95 record — and have scored nine match-winning goals from corners, the highest by any team in a single Premier League season.
Chelsea’s problems were compounded by poor discipline once again. Pedro Neto was sent off in the second half after receiving a second yellow card for a foul on Gabriel Martinelli, just minutes after being booked for dissent. It marked the seventh red card for Chelsea in the league this season, a trend that has repeatedly hurt their chances. With the Blues trailing 2-1 at the time, the dismissal ended any realistic hope of a comeback.
Arteta admitted the title race remains intense, saying his team must continue winning to stay ahead in one of the most competitive seasons in recent years.
Manchester United continue surge under Carrick
At Old Trafford, United came from behind to beat Crystal Palace 2-1 and move up to third place in the standings. Palace struck early through Maxence Lacroix, but the match turned after the defender was sent off in the second half.
Captain Bruno Fernandes converted the resulting penalty to equalise before Benjamin Šeško scored the winner with a powerful header.
Interim manager Michael Carrick remained unbeaten since taking charge earlier this year, with United now firmly in contention for a return to the UEFA Champions League places.
Tottenham struggle continues, Fulham win
Troubled Tottenham Hotspur extended their winless run to ten league matches after losing 2-1 to Fulham. First-half goals from Harry Wilson and Alex Iwobi put Fulham in control before Richarlison pulled one back late on.
Tottenham sit just above the relegation zone, while Nottingham Forest also remain in danger after a 2-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion.
With ten rounds remaining, the title race, Champions League battle and relegation fight all remain wide open in what is shaping up to be one of the most dramatic Premier League seasons in recent years.
Source: ESPN, Sportsnet, Premier league
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