Manchester City’s Premier League title defense suffered another setback on Sunday, as a late rally from Tottenham Hotspur secured a 2-2 draw at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The result leaves City six points behind league leaders Arsenal, fueling doubts about their ability to secure a fourth consecutive championship. Meanwhile, Manchester United continued their impressive form under Michael Carrick with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Fulham.
The match in London saw Rayan Cherki give Manchester City an early lead, followed by a goal from Antoine Semenyo before halftime. However, Dominic Solanke, returning from a lengthy injury, scored twice in the second half – including a spectacular scorpion kick – to earn a valuable point for Tottenham and alleviate some pressure on manager Thomas Frank. The draw marks City’s sixth league game without a win in 2026.
Manchester City’s Title Hopes Diminish
City’s recent struggles have opened the door for Arsenal to solidify their position at the top of the Premier League table. Their dominant form earlier in the season has faded, with a lack of consistency proving costly. The team’s inability to close out games, as evidenced against Tottenham, is raising concerns among fans and analysts.
Tottenham’s Resurgent Performance
Solanke’s return to fitness has been a significant boost for Tottenham, who have struggled for goals in his absence. His two goals against City demonstrated his quality and provided a much-needed spark for the team. The draw represents a positive step for Frank, whose position had come under scrutiny.
Meanwhile, Manchester United’s victory over Fulham showcased their attacking prowess and resilience. Casemiro and Matheus Cunha put United in control, but a late fightback from Fulham, including a penalty from Raul Jimenez, threatened to steal a point. Ultimately, a late goal from Benjamin Sesko secured the win for Carrick’s side, propelling them into the top four.
Elsewhere in the league, Aston Villa suffered a surprise 1-0 defeat at home to Brentford, despite the Bees playing with ten men for the majority of the second half. Dango Ouattara scored the decisive goal for Brentford, while Tammy Abraham had a goal disallowed on his return to Villa. Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest played to a 1-1 draw, with both teams failing to capitalize on their opportunities.
The results have significantly tightened the race for Champions League qualification. Chelsea and Liverpool, both dropping points in recent weeks, are now closely trailing Manchester United and Tottenham. The battle for European places is expected to intensify in the coming months, with several teams vying for a coveted spot.
Looking ahead, Manchester City faces a crucial run of fixtures as they attempt to close the gap on Arsenal. Their next match against West Ham United will be a key test of their resolve. The Premier League season is entering a critical phase, and every point will be vital as teams battle for the title and European qualification. The consistency of Arsenal and the resurgence of Manchester United will be key factors to watch in the weeks to come.
Source: The Peninsula Qatar
Premier League Official Website
Manchester Evening News