Three talking points from the Premier League weekend

Arsenal took a significant stride towards clinching the Premier League crown after an ideal weekend that boosted their advantage to six points.

A commanding 4-0 triumph against Leeds put an end to suggestions that Mikel Artetas squad might buckle beneath the weight of title contention, as both Manchester City and Aston Villa surrendered vital points on Sunday.

Further down the standings, the contest for Champions League qualification next term is intensifying, with Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United all claiming key victories.

AFP Sport examines three key discussion themes from the weekends matches:

Arsenals crown within reach

Their initial home loss this season to Manchester United a week ago raised questions regarding Arsenals capacity to secure the championship.

Over the previous three campaigns, they ended in second position, on two occasions squandering substantial advantages during the final stages.

However, this season appears destined to be theirs, supported by the stumbling performances of their rivals.

The Gunners secured their first league victory in four outings through typical prowess from set pieces, with Martin Zubimendis header and an unfortunate own goal by Karl Darlow providing a 2-0 advantage at half time during Saturdays clash at Elland Road.

They also addressed concerns about insufficient scoring from their strikers, as Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Jesus netted after the break.

"We were determined to demonstrate our desire, and I believe we have achieved that," Arteta remarked.

In comparison, City continue to evolve despite the massive investments to revitalise Pep Guardiolas team over the last year.

They appeared poised for an easy win at Tottenham, holding a 2-0 lead at the interval amid evident discontent from the home supporters.

Yet Dominic Solanke scored twice post half time to earn a 2-2 stalemate, leaving City with merely one league success in their past six fixtures in 2026.

Villa exceeded projections simply by remaining competitive with the leading duo until February, yet they trail by seven points following a 1-0 defeat at home to Brentford, who played with 10 men.

Man Utd recapture past magic

Manchester United seemed on the verge of squandering a third straight victory under Michael Carricks guidance, as Fulham netted twice in the closing five minutes to erase a 2-0 deficit at Old Trafford on Sunday.

However, one more dramatic turn occurred in the chaotic conclusion, with Benjamin Sesko rifling into the upper corner, igniting ecstatic celebrations before the Stretford End.

This excitement evoked memories of Uniteds triumphant era under Alex Ferguson, where wins were frequently wrested from impending loss.

"It ranks as the finest sensation, I must admit," Carrick commented.

"Fans depart here with more than simply the knowledge that United prevailed today; it includes added depth, the thrill and the passion, which is precisely why we cherish it immensely."

The result also propelled United ahead of Chelsea and Liverpool into fourth spot, where the top five are expected to earn Champions League berths.

Ekitike-Wirtz partnership ignites

Newcastle endured a story of missed opportunities when Hugo Ekitikes rapid brace for Liverpool derailed the Magpies impressive opening half at Anfield on Saturday.

Eddie Howes side rightfully held the lead via Anthony Gordons effort until Ekitike showcased his lethal precision and rapid pace, elevating his seasonal total to 15 goals.

A prolonged target for Newcastle, Ekitike was considered as a possible successor to Alexander Isak before Liverpool acquired the French forward from Eintracht Frankfurt.

Even with Isaks season plagued by injuries following his British record £125 million ($171 million) transfer to Anfield, Liverpools investment in offensive players is starting to yield results.

Ekitikes opener was masterfully assisted by Florian Wirtz, who later found the net himself.

Wirtz had gone scoreless in his initial 22 outings for the Reds post his £100 million arrival from Bayern Leverkusen, but has since tallied six in 10 matches.