IN the previous game week, Manchester United did Arsenal a favour by beating Manchester City, but the Gunners failed to capitalise.
This week, United beat Arsenal at the Emirates and City capitalised. The gap at the top is now down to four points, with both City and Aston Villa firmly back in the title race.
It is now six points from six for Michael Carrick. Before his appointment, many United fans expected zero points, given the transition from a 3-4-3 to a 4-3-3 system.
Instead, United have adapted seamlessly and continued to win. It has inevitably raised questions about whether appointing Ruben Amorim was a mistake, as Carrick has simply set the squad up to play in a more familiar, traditional United way. The real test will come when United face teams that sit deep and play in a low block.
This United side also look mentally stronger. The old United would have crumbled after conceding first, but Carrick’s men stuck to the plan. Patrick Dorgu’s equaliser was sensational, and even after Arsenal responded, United kept pushing.
The winner from Matheus Cunha was another moment of individual brilliance, underlining a growing belief within the squad.
For Arsenal, there is no referee conspiracy to hide behind. Mikel Arteta was outcoached.
Dominating possession yet again, the Gunners created very little from open play and relied heavily on set-pieces for their goal. So far, they only earned two points from their last three games.
Once they went behind, the atmosphere turned nervous, and the tension was obvious. This match exposed the contrasting mental states of the two teams – one plays with confidence, the other tightens up under pressure. Arteta must address this quickly, especially with an in-form Leeds up next.
Chelsea are another side benefiting from a managerial change. Liam Rosenior has now delivered back-to-back wins, something Chelsea have not managed for some time.
While Rosenior’s soundbites may divide opinion, football does not. Chelsea sit fifth and look well placed to challenge for a Champions League spot under his guidance.
As for Liverpool, the question is no longer if Arne Slot will be sacked, but when. Their so-called unbeaten run ends with a last-minute defeat to Bournemouth – fitting, given how many of those games were uninspiring draws.
More concerning is Liverpool’s lack of depth, despite spending close to half a billion pounds. Slot does not trust his youth players and cannot rotate, leaving the same underperformers on the pitch.
Virgil van Dijk endured a nightmare performance, directly at fault for two goals. Although he scored to make amends, another late error proved costly. His constant appeals and complaints mirrored his manager’s touchline behaviour. Whether it is a cultural trait or simply an influence from the bench, it is not a good look.
Will FSG make the hard call? With Xabi Alonso waiting in the wings and with both United and Chelsea benefiting from decisive change, Liverpool’s ownership faces a serious dilemma.
At the Etihad, Pep Guardiola broke the hearts of seven million Fantasy Premier League managers by benching Erling Haaland against Wolves.
Omar Marmoush opened the scoring, but the standout moment came from Antoine Semenyo, who netted his first Premier League goal for City.
Marc Guehi also impressed on debut, looking composed and assured at the back. Liverpool will regret not competing for his signature. For Guardiola, the priority now is consistency – the title race is far from over.
At the Gtech Community Stadium, Nottingham Forest earned a vital win in the “Battle of the Igors” as Igor Jesus outshone Igor Thiago.
With West Ham also picking up points, Forest’s victory was crucial in maintaining a five-point cushion above the relegation zone. The fight at the bottom is intensifying just as much as the race at the top.
This remains a wide-open Premier League season. No team have taken full control, and no one has managed to put together a decisive winning run.
From the title race to relegation, everything is still up for grabs. As always, it will come down to one thing – consistency and who finds it first.
