An enticing Sunday afternoon multiplex in the Premier League, with City able to close the gap on Arsenal, the return of a historic derby, and Tottenham looking to build confidence.
City keep the pressure to Arsenal
Manchester City navigated the Selhurst Park trap without much noise. Dominated and pushed around by the ever-solid Eagles, City were calm and ruthless. Haaland scored from City’s first real chance in the 41st minute. City then doubled the lead thanks to the inevitable duo of Rayan Cherki and Phil Foden. Zidane’s footballing cousin from Lyon delivered a fine assist for Foden, putting City in control. Haaland then converted another penalty to complete yet another brace.
Sunderland upset Newcastle in the derby
A derby that will spark debate and leave Newcastle with an extremely bitter taste. In the first derby since March 2016, the two sides engaged in an intense physical battle. Sunderland showed plenty of aggression, perhaps too much on a challenge from Mukiele on Dan Burn. The French defender should have been sent off, but to widespread surprise he stayed on the pitch—and it was him who later delivered the cross that led to Woltemade’s own goal.
Sunderland now sit seventh in the Premier League, confirming their impressive form.
Tottenham collapse, Villa deliver
Aston Villa showed remarkable resilience. Trailing twice against West Ham (1–0 and then 2–1), Villa responded both times before going on to win the match. Rodgers was the standout performer, scoring a crucial brace to secure a sixth straight victory for Aston Villa.
Meanwhile, Tottenham completely collapsed at Forest. Beaten 3–0 by Sean Dyche’s side, Spurs now sit only 11th in the Premier League.
| Arsenal | 36 | +20 |
| City | 34 | +22 |
| Aston Villa | 33 | +8 |
| Chelsea | 28 | +12 |