Arsenal Move Four Points Clear as Manchester City Slip to Aston Villa

Post by : Raina Nasser

Arsenal strengthened their position at the summit of the Premier League on Sunday after a narrow 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace was matched by a surprise 1-0 defeat for Manchester City at Aston Villa, leaving the Gunners four points ahead in the title race.

The decisive moment in north London arrived in the 39th minute when Eberechi Eze finished from close range after Gabriel nodded Declan Rice's free-kick into his path, guiding the ball beyond Dean Henderson. Eze, scoring against his former club, refrained from celebrating and earned respectful applause from the crowd. Manager Mikel Arteta highlighted the significance of the win, describing it as evidence of his squad's determination and the difficulty of sustaining form in the Premier League.

At Villa Park, Aston Villa claimed a vital triumph as Matty Cash converted Emiliano Buendia's corner in the 19th minute to complete a fourth straight victory for Unai Emery's side. Manchester City, who had been unbeaten in nine league games, were unable to respond; a late Erling Haaland effort was ruled out for offside. Captain Bernardo Silva conceded that City's pressing failed to unsettle Villa and said the team must address lapses in intensity.

Tottenham moved up the table with a comprehensive 3-0 win away to Everton. Micky van de Ven struck twice in the first half — the first time a Spurs defender has scored a Premier League brace in over a decade — and Guglielmo Vicario produced a series of strong saves. Pape Matar Sarr entered from the bench to add a third, and manager Thomas Frank underlined the importance of an emphatic away victory in the division.

Bournemouth continued their strong start by beating Nottingham Forest 2-0 to rise to second spot. Marcus Tavernier opened the scoring directly from a corner before Eli Junior Kroupi extended the lead with a long-range strike. Coach Andoni Iraola praised his players' discipline and hunger, calling the early-season form "remarkable."

At the other end of the table, Wolverhampton Wanderers' difficulties deepened as they were beaten 3-2 at home by Burnley. Wolves rallied from two goals down with strikes from Jorgen Strand Larsen and Marshall Munetsi but conceded a stoppage-time winner, leaving them without a victory and anchored at the foot of the standings.

After nine matches, Arsenal top the table with 22 points while Bournemouth sit second on 18. Tottenham and Sunderland share 17 points. Manchester City's unexpected loss leaves them six points behind Arsenal and intensifies what is developing into a competitive title battle as the season progresses.