Manchester City breathed fresh life back into the Premier League title race with an emphatic 3-0 win at Chelsea.
Tottenham, meanwhile, remain in the relegation zone after Roberto De Zerbi’s first game in charge ended as a 1-0 defeat at Sunderland.
Guardiola wary of Arsenal
Pep Guardiola believes Arsenal are still the best team in England and Europe after Manchester City cut the gap at the top of the Premier League to six points with a comprehensive 3-0 win at Chelsea.
Nico O’Reilly, Marc Guehi and Jeremy Doku were on-target in 17 second-half minutes at Stamford Bridge as City put real pressure on the league leaders ahead of next Sunday’s showdown between the two sides.
Should City triumph at the Etihad Stadium they will move to within three points of the Gunners with a game in hand, but despite three wins on the trot for his side, Guardiola is wary of Arsenal.
“We have done a good three games but the best team in England so far is Arsenal, the best team in Europe so far is Arsenal, because the numbers are there, the consistency they had,” said Guardiola.
De Zerbi concerned by Spurs mindset
Roberto De Zerbi admitted fear of relegation may be a problem for Tottenham after losing at Sunderland.
Despite some promising opportunities from Richarlison and Dominic Solanke in particular, Sunderland claimed three points when Nordi Mukiele’s strike deflected in off Micky van de Ven in the 61st minute.
Defeat leaves Tottenham in 18th place in the Premier League table and they are still searching for their first Premier League win of 2026.
Asked if he felt like the fear of relegation itself is the problem, De Zerbi replied: “I think so, yep. The target now is to win one game because if we win a game, we can see everything in a different way.”
Mainoo getting closer to signing new deal – Carrick
Michael Carrick says a deal to tie down Kobbie Mainoo’s long-term future at Manchester United is “getting closer”.
After an uncertain time under previous boss Ruben Amorim, academy graduate Mainoo has flourished under Carrick’s guidance as head coach and once again looks like a cornerstone player for the Red Devils.
His current contract runs until 2027, with an option for an additional 12 months, but the club have reportedly given the green light to a new five-year deal for the England international.
“We’d like to think so and it’s getting closer, so we’re positive with that,” Carrick said. “We’re calm with it, but we’re positive with it and time will tell how it goes. At the moment, we are in a good place.”
Glasner hopes Mateta can win Eagles fans over
Oliver Glasner believes Jean-Philippe Mateta deserves to be back in the good books of Crystal Palace supporters after the striker’s match-winning display against Newcastle.
Mateta upset Eagles fans by trying to leave the club in the January transfer window, only to see a move to AC Milan break down after a knee injury caused problems with his medical.
After scoring in Palace’s Conference League quarter-final victory over Fiorentina on Thursday, his redemption continued as he struck twice off the bench to help his side come from behind in the 2-1 victory.
Glasner said: “I was delighted for him and I mentioned weeks ago that is what he deserves.
“As soon as it was clear that he had to stay at Crystal Palace, he said, ‘OK, I will work very, very hard to come back and help the team win,’ and to help us achieve all our goals. This is what he has showed and he is now getting back to his top fitness.”
What’s on today?
Manchester United can bolster their position of third in the league when they welcome old rivals Leeds to Old Trafford. The visitors will be hoping to increase a three-point cushion away from the drop zone.
Arne Slot will address the media on Monday afternoon ahead of Liverpool’s crunch Champions League quarter-final second leg at Paris St Germain, who hold a 2-0 lead at the halfway point of their tie.
