Arsenal overcame a mounting injury crisis to secure a crucial 2-0 victory over Leicester, closing the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool. Mikel Arteta’s side, missing key attackers like Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Martinelli, relied on an inspired performance from midfielder Mikel Merino, who stepped up as a makeshift striker to score twice in the final nine minute
The breakthrough came in the 81st minute when Ethan Nwaneri delivered a precise cross into the box, allowing Merino to power a header past Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen. Just seven minutes later, Merino struck again, timing his run perfectly to meet Leandro Trossard’s cross and slot home, sealing the win. The result extended Arsenal’s unbeaten league run to 15 games and moved them within four points of Liverpool, who face Wolves on Monday.
Meanwhile, Manchester City delivered a statement performance with a 4-0 thrashing of top-four rivals Newcastle, thanks to a stunning hat-trick from Egyptian forward Omar Marmoush. The 26-year-old, who joined City in January, ended his four-game goal drought in style. His first came in the 19th minute, as he latched onto Ederson’s long kick and lobbed Newcastle’s Martin Dubravka. Just five minutes later, Marmoush doubled his tally with a deflected strike, before completing his hat-trick in the 33rd minute with a composed finish in the box. James McAtee added a fourth late in the game, capping off a dominant display.
However, City’s victory was marred by a potential knee injury to star striker Erling Haaland, who was forced off in the closing stages. Pep Guardiola’s side, now fourth in the league, will need to regroup quickly as they face a crucial Champions League second-leg clash against Real Madrid on Wednesday.
Elsewhere, Nottingham Forest suffered a 2-1 defeat to Fulham despite a goal from All Whites captain Chris Wood. Calvin Bassey’s 62nd-minute header proved decisive, leaving Forest in third place but with work to do in the race for European qualification.
Bournemouth climbed to fifth after a 3-1 win over bottom-placed Southampton, with goals from Dango Ouattara, Ryan Christie, and Marcus Tavernier. Ten-man Ipswich held Aston Villa to a 1-1 draw despite Axel Tuanzebe’s first-half red card, while Everton edged Crystal Palace 2-1 thanks to Carlos Alcaraz’s late winner on his league debut. Brentford also secured a narrow 1-0 victory over West Ham, with Kevin Schade’s early goal making the difference.
As the Premier League season heats up, Arsenal’s resilience has kept the title race alive, while the battle for European spots intensifies.
