The Premier League roared back to action with breathtaking speed, witnessing two teams scoring within 22 seconds. Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka secured a 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest in the second half, propelling Arsenal to the second spot, trailing Liverpool by just two points.
While Arsenal’s title aspirations remain alive, Aston Villa faced a setback in their quest for a Champions League spot, succumbing to a 3-1 defeat at home to Newcastle. Despite being the season’s surprise package, Unai Emery’s team finds themselves in fourth place.
The action-packed evening featured a total of five games and an impressive 16 goals. Luton’s Elijah Adebayo stole the spotlight with a hat-trick in a commanding 4-0 win against Brighton, lifting Luton out of the relegation zone.
In a thrilling 3-2 encounter, Sheffield United’s Ben Brereton Diaz found the net just 21 seconds into the game against Crystal Palace. Meanwhile, Fulham and Everton settled for a goalless draw.
Gabriel Jesus, often criticized for his finishing, proved instrumental for Arsenal. His 65th-minute strike, deflected off Forest goalkeeper Matt Turner, broke the deadlock. Jesus then turned provider, setting up Saka for Arsenal’s second in the 72nd minute. A late goal from Forest’s Taiwo Awoniyi added drama to the match.
Liverpool has the chance to extend their lead when they face Chelsea at home on Wednesday.
Aston Villa, previously unbeaten at home since February, suffered their second home defeat of the season against Newcastle. Fabian Schar’s two goals in the first half and an own goal by Alex Moreno put Newcastle in control. Ollie Watkins managed a consolation goal for Villa, who could drop to fifth place if Tottenham secures a win against Brentford on Wednesday.
Newcastle, having struggled in recent games, rose to seventh place with this victory but still lags 11 points behind Villa.