Arsenal’s Premier League title aspirations were tested on Sunday after a surprise 3-2 home defeat to Manchester United, while Aston Villa strengthened their challenge with a 2-0 victory at Newcastle and Chelsea climbed into the top four with a 3-1 win at Crystal Palace.
At the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal’s lead at the summit was cut to just four points, with rivals Manchester City and Villa closing in. After taking the lead through an own goal, the Gunners conceded a late winner from Matheus Cunha.
Manager Mikel Arteta acknowledged the setback but emphasised the need for resilience.
“Now it’s time to show what we’re made of,” Arteta said, reflecting on Arsenal’s recent inconsistency and urging his side to respond assertively in the title race.
Villa’s performance in the north of England offered a contrasting narrative. Emiliano Buendia opened the scoring with a stunning strike before Ollie Watkins sealed the win in the 88th minute, keeping Villa four points behind Arsenal and level on points with second-placed Manchester City.
“It was tough given our schedule, but we want to fight in Europe and in the league,” Buendia said, underlining Villa’s determination to stay in contention.
Chelsea capitalised on their trip to Selhurst Park, with goals from Estevao, Joao Pedro and a penalty by Enzo Fernandez helping them rise into fourth place.
The weekend’s results have injected fresh intrigue into the Premier League title race, with Arsenal facing pressure to regain momentum, Villa emerging as serious challengers, and Chelsea consolidating their position in the top four.
