Arsenal bounced back from a chastening Europa League defeat by getting the better of an in-form Manchester United side by 2-0, thus ending a Matchweek which had ramifications in the top four race and also in the battle to beat the drop.
Let us take a look at the top 3 talking points of the weekend:
EUROPEAN JOY RESULTING IN DOMESTIC WOES FOR TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR?
Tottenham’s impressive European form, where they swatted away joint Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund 4-0 in the round of 16, has masked their woeful domestic form. Comfortably sitting 10 points clear of the Gunners a couple of weeks back, Spurs have seen their lead cut down to just a single point with 4th placed Arsenal.
The Lilywhites have picked up a single point in the last four league matches having lost to Chelsea, Burnley and Southampton in the process.
It can be safely said that the club has now joined a four-way race for two places in the top four and the improbable title tilt is now a thing of the past.
LIVERPOOL ARE NOT BOTTLING ANYTHING THIS TIME AROUND
While the Reds’ past history in title races has influenced a host of pre-mature criticism in light of their recent ‘slump’, the fact remains that Klopp’s Liverpool are just a single point behind what arguably is the best Premier League team ever.
Burnley landed a blow on the Reds early on in the fixture but the nature of the response to going a goal down would have calmed a lot of nerves amongst the football club and the fans. With Ox coming back and Salah working his way back into form, this is a title race which is likely to go down to the last day.
RELEGATION SCRAP INTENSIFIES
A lot can happen before the end of the season, but we cannot see any way back for Huddersfield Town and Fulham who are cemented to the foot of the table.
But the fight to avoid the third and final remaining spot went to a whole new level this week. Brighton & Hove Albion, Cardiff City and Southampton pulled off massive wins in their desperate quest to ensure safety.
The Saints’ pulled off the biggest upset, notching a comeback 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur. Just two points separate Burnley, Southampton and Cardiff and even though Palace, Brighton and Newcastle are in the vicinity, the former trio’s fate is likely to be decided right at the end of the campaign.
