Arsenal Draw with 10-Man Chelsea as Isak Breaks Goal Drought for Liverpool
Arsenals Mikel Merino proved crucial for the Premier League frontrunners who fought to a 1-1 stalemate versus 10-man Chelsea in a key clash between title contenders, while Alexander Isak notched his initial top-flight strike for struggling Liverpool in a 2-0 triumph over West Ham on Sunday.
Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo received a red card in the 38th minute at Stamford Bridge after a reckless challenge on Merino that struck the midfielder on his ankle.
Even after Caicedos sending off, Trevoh Chalobah nodded Chelsea ahead from Reece James corner in the 48th minute.
However, Merinos header from close range off Bukayo Sakas delivery in the 59th minute guaranteed Arsenal avoided defeat in the intense battle among the league leaders.
Arsenal hold a five-point advantage over second-placed Manchester City, who defeated Newcastle on Saturday, and lead third-placed Chelsea by six points.
The Gunners continue as frontrunners to claim their first Premier League title since 2004, yet Chelseas resilient showing indicates they might pose the main challenge to Arsenals ambitions.
Arsenal have not lost in 17 outings across all tournaments, triumphing in 14, whereas Chelsea have remained undefeated in seven such fixtures.
Isak had not found the net in his five Premier League outings since his record £125 million ($165 million) transfer from Newcastle in September.
The Swedish striker ended that barren run with just his second goal across 11 appearances in all competitions for the Reds, after his initial effort in a League Cup success against second-division Southampton.
Cody Gakpo added Liverpools second in added time to clinch their first victory in four matches spanning all competitions.
"It means a lot for the team to take a 1-0 lead, yet it seemed vital for him too as it was likely his third or fourth opportunity in this match," remarked Liverpool boss Arne Slot.
Man Utd Fight Back
Joshua Zirkzee registered his first Premier League goal in almost a year, followed by Mason Mounts decisive strike, as Manchester United overturned a deficit to defeat Crystal Palace 2-1.
Ruben Amorims team were behind due to Jean-Philippe Matetas first-half spot-kick at Selhurst Park, but Zirkzee and Mount scored post-interval to earn Uniteds initial win in four outings.
United bounced back from their sluggish opening through Zirkzees first league goal since his effort against Everton in December 2024.
"I noticed Palace tiring by the end of the opening period and realised they would struggle if we equalised," stated Amorim.
"The speed and tempo improved after the break. We dominated proceedings. We capitalised on a fatigued rival."
Unai Emery commended his Aston Villa squad for reversing their form following a 1-0 success over bottom-table Wolves that lifted them to fourth position.
Boubacar Kamoras superb effort gave Villa their seventh victory in eight league fixtures, a sharp improvement from the seasons outset when they drew a blank in their first five matches and managed only one goal.
"Naturally I felt concern and took responsibility. I shared those feelings with the players two months back. The key aspect is their reaction to my words," noted Emery.
Fabian Hurzeler expressed satisfaction at overcoming negative recollections from the City Ground after Brighton secured a 2-0 win at Nottingham Forest.
The Seagulls settled the score for their 7-0 loss there in February, with the result propelling them to fifth spot.
Maxim De Cuyper and Stefanos Tzimas netted for Brighton, and Hurzeler commented: "We came here carrying memories from last season but aimed to clear the atmosphere."