1. Salah Outshines De Bruyne in Liverpool’s Statement Win
Mohamed Salah and Kevin De Bruyne have long been considered two of the Premier League’s most influential players. However, their careers may be taking different trajectories. Salah put on a masterclass in Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Manchester City, scoring and assisting in a dominant display. In contrast, De Bruyne struggled, misplacing passes and chasing shadows. His omission from City’s midweek squad in Madrid hinted at a possible decline, while Salah continues to perform at the highest level. With his contract situation unresolved, Salah holds the power in negotiations, while De Bruyne may now face a reduced role under Pep Guardiola.
2. Arsenal’s Lack of Composure Proves Costly
Arsenal’s frustrations boiled over in their 1-0 defeat to West Ham, marking their fifth red card of the season two more than any other team. Anxiety was already creeping into the Emirates crowd before Jarrod Bowen’s winner, and Arteta’s bold substitutions only heightened the tension. Myles Lewis-Skelly’s dismissal further compounded Arsenal’s problems, as they failed to find a way back. With Liverpool pulling away in the title race, Arsenal’s inability to remain composed in high-pressure situations could prove their undoing.
3. Manchester United’s Long Road Back to the Top
Despite a controversial late penalty securing a 2-2 draw against Everton, Manchester United’s struggles were evident. Cost-cutting measures under new ownership have not yet resulted in progress, and manager Ruben Amorim has admitted the club faces “so many problems.” United’s squad appears ill-suited to the manager’s tactical demands, and with financial constraints limiting their ability to rebuild, the road back to the top looks long and difficult.
4. Chelsea’s Goalkeeping Dilemma Deepens
Filip Jörgensen’s costly error handed Aston Villa a 2-1 victory, leaving Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca with a difficult decision ahead of their next game. With Robert Sánchez previously dropped for mistakes and both Kepa Arrizabalaga and Djordje Petrovic out on loan, Chelsea’s goalkeeping options look increasingly fragile. Maresca has backed Jörgensen despite the mistake, but pressure is mounting as the club seeks stability.
5. Bergvall Steps Up for Injury-Hit Spurs
With injuries plaguing Tottenham, Lucas Bergvall has been thrust into the spotlight and has quickly matured into a key player. His pass completion rate of 85% in the 4-1 win over Ipswich showcased his growing confidence. The 19-year-old has formed an effective midfield partnership with Rodrigo Bentancur, and while Tottenham’s season has had its struggles, the emergence of young talents like Bergvall could be a long-term positive.
6. Newcastle Hold On in Front of Their Chairman
Despite leading 4-1, Newcastle were left hanging on for a 4-3 win against Nottingham Forest in front of their chairman, Yasir al-Rumayyan. The Saudi-backed club is considering whether to redevelop St James’ Park or build a new stadium, a decision that could define their long-term future. On the pitch, young midfielder Lewis Miley continues to impress and could establish himself as a key player for both club and country.
7. Southampton and the Gap Between the Leagues
Southampton’s 4-0 defeat to Brighton highlighted the growing gap between the Championship and the Premier League. The club sits on just nine points after 26 matches, and with Ipswich and Leicester also struggling, it looks likely that all three promoted teams will go straight back down. The increasing difficulty of survival for newly promoted teams raises concerns about the competitiveness of the league.
8. Wolves’ André Shows His Quality
Wolves’ 1-0 win over Bournemouth was a statement performance, showcasing the tactical organization brought in by Vítor Pereira. Matheus Cunha’s goal secured the victory, but it was midfielder André who stole the show. The Brazilian, previously linked with Manchester City and Liverpool, provided crucial balance in midfield and is beginning to show why he was such a sought-after prospect.
9. Crystal Palace’s Defensive Steal
Maxence Lacroix has been a revelation for Crystal Palace since his move from Wolfsburg. The towering defender was instrumental in Palace’s 2-0 win over Fulham, producing a crucial tackle to deny Raúl Jiménez. With Palace’s unbeaten away run stretching back to October, their strong defensive foundation featuring Lacroix, Marc Guéhi, and Chris Richards has been key to their success.
10. Van Nistelrooy Under Pressure at Leicester
Leicester’s struggles continued with a humiliating 4-0 home defeat to Brentford, marking their 11th loss in 15 matches under Ruud van Nistelrooy. The Dutchman has hinted that the squad may not be capable of survival, raising questions about his own leadership. With the club reluctant to sack a second manager this season, tough decisions await in the summer if Leicester are to bounce back.
