Arsenal secure comfortable victory over Burnley while Manchester United draw

Arsenal defeated Burnley 2-0 on Saturday, extending their lead at the summit of the Premier League to seven points, while Nottingham Forest managed a 2-2 stalemate against a strong Manchester United side.

Mikel Arteta's squad has triumphed in five consecutive league matches, making them strong contenders to finally claim the English title after a 20-year drought.

Viktor Gyokeres nodded in the opener from a Declan Rice corner during the opening period at Turf Moor, marking his first league strike since mid-September, a testament to Arsenal's prowess from set pieces.

The England international Rice then powered in another header five minutes before the interval, firmly establishing Arsenal's dominance.

"Our opening 45 minutes were outstanding, we netted twice without conceding," Arteta shared with the BBC.

"That set the foundation. We made some adjustments and lost a bit of possession after the break, but our backline was superb once more, denying them any clear chances."

Arsenal, victors in nine successive outings across all tournaments, boast impressive attacking depth, yet their success hinges on a sturdy rearguard that has shipped only three goals in ten league fixtures this term.

United snatch a share of the spoils

Ruben Amorim's Manchester United, chasing a fourth successive league success, seemed poised to rise to second place after taking a 1-0 advantage at the City Ground through Casemiro's early effort.

However, Forest, goalless in the league since 20 September, surged back post-interval with renewed vigour.

Morgan Gibbs-White equalised with a headed effort two minutes into the second half, followed swiftly by Nicolo Savona's close-range finish to flip the script dramatically.

Amad Diallo restored parity for United with a fine volley nine minutes from time, salvaging a draw for the side showing marked improvement following a shaky start to the campaign.

Diallo expressed frustration at settling for one point after their recent streak.

"Confidence is building," he remarked to Sky Sports. "We trust the manager and his approach. We are giving everything. Our faith in him mirrors his in us."

Forest, under new boss Sean Dyche who succeeded the dismissed Ange Postecoglou last month, linger in the drop zone, trailing 17th-placed Burnley by four points.

League basement dwellers Wolves are a worrying eight points adrift of salvation following a dismal 3-0 loss to Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Ryan Sessegnon opened the scoring for the hosts promptly, and Wolves' woes deepened with Emmanuel Agbadou's red card later in the first half.

Harry Wilson made it 2-0 in the 62nd minute, with Yerson Mosquera's unfortunate deflection sealing Wolves' fate.

Crystal Palace snapped a four-match winless run in the league, thanks to Jean-Philippe Mateta's headed goal and an own goal by Brentford's Nathan Collins, securing a 2-0 triumph.

Veteran Danny Welbeck bagged his sixth top-flight goal of the term, while Diego Gomez notched a brace as Brighton dismantled Leeds 3-0.

Tottenham welcome London foes Chelsea in the afternoon fixture, eyeing a potential climb to second.

Title holders Liverpool entertain Aston Villa in the evening clash, eager to halt a troubling run of four defeats that has hampered their championship bid.

Under Arne Slot, Liverpool led Unai Emery's Villa by 12 points in late September, but they now share 15 points in the middle of the pack.

Bournemouth, who began the day in second, head to Manchester City on Sunday.