Premier League Roundup
Title Race Takes Shape
LONDON: Arsenal’s faint hopes of catching Premier League leaders Liverpool are almost over after their 1-1 draw at Everton, while Aston Villa bolstered their bid for Champions League qualification with a 2-1 win against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Draw at Goodison Park
Leandro Trossard’s opener for the Gunners was cancelled out by Iliman Ndiaye’s penalty to leave Arsenal trailing 11 points behind Liverpool, who travel to Fulham on Sunday.
Liverpool on the Brink of Title
Liverpool need just 11 points from their remaining eight games to secure a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title and first since 2020.
Arsenal’s Title Ambitions Fading
With just two wins in their last six league matches, Arsenal have tamely surrendered in the title race and are destined to go another year without their first English crown since 2004.
Manager’s Selection Raises Eyebrows
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta had said the best preparation for his side’s Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid would be to win at Goodison Park. But the Spaniard showed he had one eye on the visit of the European champions with his team selection.
Benching Key Players
Bukayo Saka was forced to wait for his first start since December as the England international was left on the bench alongside Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, Jurrien Timber, and Thomas Partey.
Arteta’s Thoughts on the Match
“This is a very tough place to come, a team who is very physical and direct. If you don’t deal with it, it’s hard to get momentum. The start of the second half was very poor,” Arteta said.
Other Match Results
Aston Villa’s Win
At Villa Park, Unai Emery’s side climbed into sixth as early goals from Morgan Rogers and Donyell Malen saw off third-placed Forest, who got one back through Jota Silva. Villa’s seventh consecutive victory in all competitions was the ideal preparation for Wednesday’s trip to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter-final first leg.
Ipswich on the Brink of Relegation
Wolves effectively sealed their survival and left Ipswich on the brink of relegation with a 2-1 win at Portman Road. Vitor Pereira’s side trailed to Liam Delap’s 16th-minute goal as the striker swept in Dara O’Shea’s knockdown. But Pablo Sarabia drilled into the bottom corner to haul Wolves level in the 72nd minute, before Jorgen Strand Larsen prodded home on 84 minutes for his fourth goal in his last three games.
Crystal Palace’s Win
Crystal Palace beat Brighton 2-1 despite finishing with nine men in a bruising battle featuring three red cards at Selhurst Park. FA Cup semi-finalists Palace went ahead thanks to Jean-Philippe Mateta’s third minute curler, before Danny Welbeck’s close-range effort in the 31st minute dragged Brighton level. Daniel Munoz blasted Palace’s winner in the 55th minute, but the Eagles had to dig deep for the win.
Conclusion
The Premier League title is all but out of Arsenal’s reach, and the Gunners’ focus will now shift to their Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can Arsenal still catch Liverpool in the title race?
A: No, Arsenal’s faint hopes of catching Liverpool are almost over after their 1-1 draw at Everton.
Q: How many points does Liverpool need to secure the title?
A: Liverpool need just 11 points from their remaining eight games to secure a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title and first since 2020.
Q: Who is the manager of Aston Villa?
A: Unai Emery is the manager of Aston Villa.
Q: Will Ipswich be relegated?
A: Ipswich are on the brink of relegation after Wolves’ 2-1 win at Portman Road.