It was a weekend of surprises in the Premier League as none of the top five teams managed to secure a win, adding fresh drama to both the title race and the battle for Champions League qualification. Liverpool’s march toward the title took a hit with a 3-2 defeat at Fulham, marking their third loss in four matches across all competitions. Despite Alexis Mac Allister opening the scoring with a thunderous strike and a second-half rally led by Luis Díaz, basic defensive errors proved costly. Manager Arne Slot admitted that fatigue is catching up with his squad after a demanding season on multiple fronts. While they still hold an 11-point lead, Slot emphasized that his team cannot take anything for granted, pointing out how much effort and resilience it takes to win matches consistently.
Elsewhere, both Manchester United and Manchester City produced a goalless draw in a lackluster derby at Old Trafford. United had the better of the chances but once again lacked a cutting edge in front of goal — a problem that has plagued them all season. Former captain Roy Keane criticized the squad’s lack of courage and urgency, stressing the weight of responsibility that comes with wearing the United shirt. Meanwhile, City are also under pressure, potentially facing their worst league campaign since Pep Guardiola took charge, and are now at risk of missing out on a Champions League spot for the first time in 15 years.
Aston Villa, on the other hand, were the biggest winners of the weekend. Their 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest extended their winning streak to seven matches in all competitions and kept them firmly in the hunt for a top-four finish. Manager Unai Emery made eight changes to his starting lineup yet still managed to pull off the win, highlighting the depth and form of his squad. January signings Donyell Malen, Marcus Rashford, and Marco Asensio have already combined for 13 goals and five assists, adding a new level of firepower to Villa’s attack. With an upcoming clash against PSG in the Champions League, Villa are not only aiming for European glory but are also positioning themselves for a strong finish in the league.
