Liverpool’s pursuit of the Premier League title took a hit with a 3-2 defeat at Fulham, occurring on a weekend when none of the top five clubs secured a victory.
Arsenal missed an opportunity to apply pressure on the leaders, settling for a 1-1 draw against Everton, while Chelsea and Manchester City found themselves in trouble for their Champions League ambitions, both finishing their matches at Brentford and Manchester United with goalless draws.
Aston Villa emerged as the significant beneficiaries in the race for Champions League spots, clinching a 2-1 victory over third-placed Nottingham Forest, thereby closing the gap on the top five.
AFP Sports highlights three key talking points from the Premier League weekend.
Liverpool struggling to maintain momentum
Liverpool boasted an unbeaten streak of 26 league matches before their visit to Craven Cottage, but have now suffered three defeats in their last four outings across all competitions.
Arne Slot’s team is clearly showing signs of weariness after battling on four fronts for much of the season.
Basic defensive lapses left the Dutch coach furious as his side conceded three goals in just 14 minutes during the first half, despite Alexis Mac Allister giving Liverpool an early lead.
Although Liverpool showed a marked improvement after the break, they found themselves fighting an uphill battle, managing to pull one back through Luis Diaz.
With an 11-point cushion and seven matches remaining, they should remain unfazed, especially with Arsenal also not performing at their best.
Still, Slot emphasised that his team has more work ahead.
“We aren’t sitting at the top because we’re winning every match comfortably,” he stated.
“Anyone who has watched our games knows it requires immense effort and hard work to secure victories, along with a dash of quality, of course.”
Bland Manchester derby reflects local struggles
Nobody in the Premier League era has witnessed both City and United finish outside the top four, but this record is under serious threat as both Manchester teams endure a dismal season.
United edged a lacklustre derby at Old Trafford, leaving supporters from both sides frustrated.
For the umpteenth time this season, they struggled to find a decisive edge in attack.
United have only managed 21 goals in 25 Premier League matches against teams outside the relegation zone.
“There’s an expectation when playing for Manchester United to win matches,” remarked former captain Roy Keane.
“To achieve this, the players must be more proficient in front of goal and take more risks. Courage is essential.”
Currently placed 13th, United are on track for their worst ever Premier League finishes.
Similarly, City could face Pep Guardiola’s most challenging season since his arrival in 2016 and risk missing out on the Champions League for the first time in 15 years.
January recruits spark Villa revival
Aston Villa have secured seven successive victories in all competitions, propelling them into the Champions League quarter-finals, the last four of the FA Cup, and up to sixth in the Premier League standings.
Unai Emery’s squad is flourishing despite the pressures of juggling three competitions, largely due to the depth available to the Spanish manager.
Emery made eight changes from Wednesday’s commendable 3-0 triumph at Brighton for the win over Forest.
Donyell Malen seized his rare opportunity with his second goal in as many games, joining Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio as three pivotal January acquisitions who have significantly boosted Villa’s attacking prowess.
The trio have collectively contributed to 13 goals and five assists since their arrival in Birmingham.
A formidable challenge lies ahead for Villa as they prepare for a trip to Emery’s former club Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday.
Even if the newly crowned French champions prove too strong, Villa is steadily approaching a return to the Champions League next season.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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