One of the closest title races in recent years continued this weekend alongside the battle for European football and the fight to stay in the Premier League. TIBS News reviews the action.
Manchester City remain top
Manchester City retained first place after a comfortable 2-0 win against Burnley.
Pep Guardiola’s side earned their 23rd win of the season thanks to goals from Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan, handing their opponents yet another loss leaving them 19th in the table.
Second-placed Liverpool kept the pace, also winning their game 2-0 against Watford.
An early Diogo Jota header was added to late on by Fabinho as the Reds recorded their 10th league win in a row.
Brentford sting Chelsea
One of the shocks of the weekend came in the latest London derby, with Chelsea being thrashed 4-1 by Brentford at Stamford Bridge.
Antonio Rudiger had put the Blues ahead, but a brace from Vitaly Janelt as well as strikes from Christian Eriksen and Yoane Wissa ensured the Bees recorded a memorable victory.
Advantage Tottenham in the top-four race
Tottenham moved into the top four after their emphatic 5-1 win against Newcastle, overtaking rivals Arsenal in the process.
Goals from Ben Davies, Matt Doherty, Heung-Min Son, Emerson Royal and Steven Bergwijn helped Antonio Conte’s team to victory, coming from behind after Fabian Schar had initially put their opponents ahead.
Arsenal suffered a disappointing loss to fellow London club Crystal Palace.
The Gunners were outclassed by the Eagles, losing 3-1 thanks to goals from Jean-Phillippe Mateta, Jordan Ayew and Wilfred Zaha.
Another top-four contender to struggle this weekend was Manchester United, only managing a 1-1 draw against Leicester City.
Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho opened the scoring before Fred quickly equalised for the Red Devils.
West Ham took advantage of their rivals dropping points after they beat Everton 2-1 to move into sixth.
A superb free-kick from Aaron Cresswell was added to by Jarrod Bowen as the Hammers condemned the Toffees to another loss.
Elsewhere in the Premier League
In the Midlands derby, Wolves overcame Aston Villa with a 2-1 win, moving within five points of the top four.
Jonny’s first-half strike was followed by an Ashley Young own goal, with Ollie Watkins netting a penalty late on for the visitors.
Leeds United continued their rise up the table with a 1-1 draw against Southampton.
Another brilliant freekick from James Ward-Prowse cancelled out Jack Harrison’s opener as the points were shared in Yorkshire.
Finally, relegation-threatened Norwich City kept their slim hopes of survival alive with a 0-0 draw against Brighton.
