Overview
- Mikel Merino headed an early opener and substitute Bukayo Saka added a stoppage-time strike as Arsenal beat Brentford 2-0 to extend their unbeaten run to 18 matches and restore a five-point lead.
- Mikel Arteta reported concern after Mosquera limped off before halftime and Rice was withdrawn with a calf issue, urging schedulers to allow more recovery time during the intense fixture run.
- Manchester City’s 5-4 win at Fulham on Tuesday had briefly trimmed the gap to two points before Arsenal responded, with Pep Guardiola acknowledging recent defensive frailties.
- Liverpool needed a late Nordi Mukiele own goal to draw 1-1 with Sunderland, leaving the champions eighth and increasing pressure on Arne Slot after Mohamed Salah was left out again.
- Aston Villa climbed to third with a 4-3 comeback at Brighton, Chelsea slipped with a 3-1 loss at Leeds, and Wolves remained winless and bottom after a 1-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest.