Arsenal’s prized recruit from the January window continues to show his signing was a masterstroke, whereas a fairly explosive press conferences proves their neighbours in white gained’t be catching them any time quickly.
There’s additionally a sleeping large sneakily creeping up on the European locations whereas the hole from Twelfth place to the relegation zone shrunk to simply three factors.
Review the weekend that was within the newest version of Premier League Talking Points!
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EPL Wrap: Tottenham throw away lead | 03:06
MORE COVERAGE
Gunners surge eight factors clear at PL summit as Saka shines in four-goal thrashing
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United via in red-card chaos as fiery star shoves referee in wild FA Cup scenes
GUNNERS RESPOND TO PENALTY HEARTBREAK IN PERFECT STYLE
Fatigued and pissed off after their agonising Europa League exit by the hands of Sporting Lisbon in midweek, Arsenal responded with the form of fashionable show that bore all of the hallmarks of champions within the making.
Mikel Arteta’s aspect crashed out on penalties towards the Portuguese giants after Gabriel Martinelli missed the essential spot-kick.
So it was symbolic of Arsenal’s new-found resilience that Martinelli was the person to place the Gunners on the right track for a straightforward afternoon on the Emirates by scoring the opening objective.
The Brazilian’s cool end laid the foundations for a sixth successive league win earlier than Bukayo Saka struck twice both aspect of Granit Xhaka scoring Arsenal’s third.
January recruit Leandro Trossard additionally proved his value as soon as once more, aiding a objective within the Crystal Palace rout.
The Belgian winger took his tally to 6 assists in 10 video games since shifting to the Emirates in January in a $49m deal.
In comparability, Trossard’s assists determine is twice as many as another participant within the competitors since his first sport in Arsenal colors.
With Gabriel Jesus working his manner again to full health and the Martielli-Saka double act persevering with to attain for enjoyable, Trossard seems more likely to be the ultimate piece to the puzzle that would assist Arsenal over the road within the title race.
However, defending champions City have a sport in hand and host Arteta’s aspect in April, which means the London outfit is under no circumstances dwelling and hosed simply but.
Leandro Trossard has proved to be a tidy piece of enterprise for Arsenal. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
FIERY PRESSER SHOWS DEEP SPURS CRACKS
Antonio Conte arrived at Tottenham because the serial winner seen as able to instilling a successful tradition at a membership used to underachievement.
Instead the Italian seems set to affix a lot of Spurs managers to come back and go with out lifting a trophy.
Conte’s contract expires on the finish of the season and the query over his future now’s whether or not he even sees out the remaining 10 Premier League video games.
The former Juventus, Chelsea and Inter Milan boss known as his gamers “egocentric”, missing in coronary heart and too used to not taking part in underneath strain or stress.
Spurs nonetheless sit fourth, however are solely two factors forward of Newcastle, who’ve two video games in hand.
The query for the Tottenham board is whether or not his relationship with the dressing room is now past restore.
Conte blasts Spurs workforce after draw | 01:38
THE SLEEPING GIANT SNEAKING UP ON EURO SPOTS
When Steven Gerrard was sacked in October, solely objectives scored was retaining Villa out of the relegation zone.
Five months on, they’re a membership remodeled underneath Unai Emery.
Bournemouth had been swept apart with ease 3-0 at Villa Park on Saturday for a 3rd win in 4 video games for Emery’s males.
Indeed, solely 4 groups have taken extra Premier League factors in whole for the reason that former Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain boss was appointed.
Manchester United and City’s progress to the FA Cup semi-finals this weekend has elevated the likelihood that seventh may very well be adequate for European soccer, which stays properly inside Villa’s attain.
“We can add a brand new step, an goal, wanting on the groups within the prime 10 now,” stated Emery in spite of everything however guaranteeing survival.
“They have a bonus over us, we have now to battle beginning behind them.
“But we’re going to play right here towards Fulham, we’re going to play right here towards Brighton, we’re going to play at Brentford, at Chelsea. Of course, it’s going to be very tough, however we’re going to attempt to add a brand new goal in our minds.”
Unai Emery has overseen a shocking reversal of fortunes for Aston Villa. (Photo by Ben Stansall / AFP)Source: AFP
FOUR POINTS, NINE TEAMS: THE SURVIVAL FIGHT IS ON
It feels prefer it’s been a while since we had a memorable relegation race the place, no less than at this time limit, no-one is protected.
A measly 4 factors separates last-placed Southampton to Twelfth-placed Crystal Palace, with the Saints sitting on 23 factors.
One win for Southampton they usually can climb to security, though a nightmare objective distinction of -23 doesn’t assist issues.
A vital comeback towards Spurs helped the Saints to a 3-3 draw to be in contact with the security.
There had been additionally a handful of different groups milling about within the backside half who had some main outcomes, too.
Nottingham Forest copped a heartbreaking loss to Newcastle, conceding a penalty in second-half stoppage time in a 2-1 defeat.
Leicester City carried out valiantly in a 1-1 draw away to the high-flying Brentford, whereas Everton got here again to safe an important 2-2 draw at Chelsea.
But the end result that maybe had the largest influence was Leeds United’s 4-2 conquer nine-man Wolves.
Well, ten-man Wolves contemplating Matheus Nunes’ pink card arrived within the tenth minute of second half stoppage time.
The win helped Leeds transfer two factors clear from the drop zone whereas Wolves, who’ve regarded good underneath new boss Julen Lopetegui, stay on 27 factors.
With some groups having as many as 12 video games left within the season, this relegation race has loads of twists and turns left in it.
