Arsenal reignited their Premier League title ambitions with a commanding 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on Saturday, while Chelsea climbed to third place by edging past Leicester City 2-1. Meanwhile, champions Manchester City look to end a four-game losing streak as they prepare to host Tottenham.
After finishing second in the last two seasons, Arsenal were tipped to challenge Manchester City for the title. However, a four-match winless run had left them nine points behind league leaders Liverpool, who face bottom-placed Southampton on Sunday.
Martin Odegaard’s return from injury has bolstered Arsenal’s hopes of securing their first Premier League title in over two decades. His precise pass set up Bukayo Saka to smash in the opener in the 15th minute.
Saka then turned provider, assisting Thomas Partey for a spectacular goal early in the second half to double Arsenal’s lead. Late in the game, 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri came off the bench to score his first Premier League goal, slotting in a cross from Raheem Sterling to seal the win.
Chelsea Edge Leicester
Chelsea remain ahead of Arsenal in the table on goals scored, despite a challenging match against Leicester in manager Enzo Maresca’s return to his former club.
Nicolas Jackson opened the scoring for Chelsea in the first half with his seventh goal of the season. However, Chelsea wasted numerous chances to extend their lead, with Cole Palmer’s effort being accidentally blocked by teammate Noni Madueke.
The second goal finally came 15 minutes from time when Enzo Fernandez headed home after Jackson’s initial effort was saved. Leicester managed to pull one back in stoppage time via Jordan Ayew’s penalty, but the defeat leaves them just two points clear of the relegation zone.
Villa’s Struggles Continue
Aston Villa’s winless streak stretched to six games as they fought back twice to secure a 2-2 draw at home against Crystal Palace.
Ismaila Sarr and Justin Devenny gave Palace the lead twice, with Ollie Watkins leveling the score before halftime. Villa missed a chance to take control when Youri Tielemans’ first-half penalty was saved by Dean Henderson. However, Tielemans redeemed himself by delivering the cross for Ross Barkley’s late header, which salvaged a point for the hosts.
