A weekend nobody took control – missed chances in Premier League

THIS was a weekend of missed opportunities in the Premier League – especially for league leaders Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta’s men had the chance to go nine points clear at the top but failed to capitalise, settling for a goalless draw against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.

The frustration was visible among Arsenal’s senior players, particularly Declan Rice, as they failed to take advantage of Manchester City’s defeat.

With the league as competitive as it has been from top to bottom, a nine-point gap could have given the Gunners the breathing room needed to push on for the title.

Instead, the lead remains at seven points, and with City strengthening in the transfer window, it feels only a matter of time before Pep Guardiola’s side go on one of their trademark winning runs.

Before that, Guardiola will need to get his team playing again after a dismal performance at Old Trafford, which handed Michael Carrick a dream debut as Manchester United’s interim manager.

This was not simply City failing to show up; it was Carrick setting his team up perfectly. United were outstanding from the first whistle and did not lose a single 50-50 challenge, even against a City side that started Rodri in midfield.

Kobbie Mainoo acted as the conductor, breaking through City’s press with ease. It raised questions about why he was not a regular starter during Ruben Amorim’s tenure. Now that they have restored Bruno Fernandes to his preferred No. 10 role, United look far more balanced, allowing Fernandes to influence the game creatively.

Deploying Patrick Dorgu as a forward provided Luke Shaw with much-needed protection against City’s wide players. Surprisingly, Guardiola failed to address the problem in-game and allowed Carrick to tactically outmanoeuvre him.

Is this the beginning of the end of Guardiola’s aura? As for Carrick, he now heads to the Emirates, hoping to show another Spanish manager that United are back, and perhaps blow the title race wide open.

Liam Rosenior enjoyed a positive start to life in the Premier League as Chelsea secured a 2–0 win over Brentford, thanks largely to an outstanding performance from Robert Sanchez.

Signs suggest the squad are slowly buying into Rosenior’s style, but it will take time before this team become a well-oiled machine. Brentford created most of the chances and, on another day, could have left Stamford Bridge with all three points. Rosenior will take the positives and build from here.

At the London Stadium, West Ham triumphed in this season’s first “El Sackico,” easing the pressure on Nuno Espirito Santo while piling more onto Thomas Frank. The Hammers secured victory with the last kick of the game. With Forest drawing, the gap between the 17th and 18th is now just five points. The title race is entertaining, but the relegation battle is heating up too.

Liverpool remain unbeaten in 2026, but their fans should not brag too loudly as they are still winless in the league this year. Four consecutive draws mean another missed opportunity to cement fourth place.

The football has become increasingly drab, matching the library-like atmosphere at Anfield. Under Arne Slot, the tempo is pedestrian, and the Kop no longer intimidates opponents as it once did. With the style of football being played, fans were probably sleeping.

With City closing in on Marc Guehi – a long-term Liverpool target – there are growing questions about harmony between the director of football and the head coach.

We have seen this script before, and it usually ends with the manager becoming the sacrificial lamb. With Xabi Alonso available following his dismissal from Real Madrid, Slot may need to watch his back. Missing out on the Champions League would be hugely damaging for the club financially.

Aston Villa also failed to capitalise on Arsenal’s slip as a solitary goal from Thierno Barry condemned Unai Emery’s side to their second league defeat at Villa Park in 16 months.

Emery insists Villa are not in the title race and remain focused on securing Champions League qualification.

Everton were well organised and even had a goal ruled out. David Moyes will hope this consistency continues, as Europe remains within reach - only four points separate fourth place from Everton.

It seems no team want to take full control of the Premier League this season, even in the race for European qualification. The biggest winners this weekend were United and Chelsea.

United will hope to blow the title race open next week when they visit the Emirates.

With European football returning, fatigue could become a key factor for some teams competing in it, and squads with real depth will benefit the most.