Premier League Roundup: Salah’s Future Unclear As Manchester City Closes Gap On Arsenal

‎Mohamed Salah may be off the radar for now, but he won’t be forgotten as the coming weeks unfold, while Manchester City appears to be hitting its stride in the Premier League.

‎Pep Guardiola’s City sit two points adrift of leaders Arsenal after both sides secured victories in contrasting fashions over the weekend.

‎Unai Emery’s Aston Villa sit third, just three points behind Arsenal after clinching their 10th win in 11 matches.

‎Sportxparte highlights talking points from the weekend’s action.

‎Arteta Delivers a Title Wake-Up Call at Arsenal

‎Mikel Arteta had every opportunity to frame Arsenal’s narrow 2-1 win over Wolves as a statement of the champions’ resilience.

‎A last-gasp winner after conceding late would usually invite praise for character and mental strength. Instead, Arteta chose confrontation over comfort.

‎The Arsenal manager made it clear that he was unimpressed with his side’s performance, particularly their slow start and nervy closing stages. “That’s something very positive but I don’t put it down to resilience,” Arteta replied.

‎Arteta knew his team had escaped rather than dominated, and he wanted his players to feel that discomfort. With a rare midweek break ahead of an awkward trip to Everton, the message was unmistakable title contenders cannot afford complacency.

‎Standards, in Arteta’s eyes, must rise sharply.

‎Glasner Finds Encouragement Despite Palace Defeat

‎Guardiola’s fiery exchange with Crystal Palace coach Oliver Glasner at Selhurst Park laid bare his frustrations as City struggled to finish off their enterprising opponents.

‎City led courtesy of a header from Erling Haaland, but Glasner’s shrewd approach made life difficult for the title-contenders.

‎City’s reshaped squad since January, appears to be regaining its zest after the shock 1-0 FA Cup final defeat to Palace in May.

‎The hosts pushed City hard, yet Guardiola’s men showed the resolve and grit that had been missing when they surrendered the league crown to Liverpool last season.

‎Phil Foden added a priceless second, and Haaland wrapped up the scoring from the penalty spot late on as City secured a 3-0 victory, extending their winning run to four Premier League matches.

‎Woltemade’s Nightmare Decides the Wear-Tyne Derby

‎Derby matches are unforgiving arenas, and for Nick Woltemade, the Wear-Tyne derby became a personal nightmare. The Newcastle striker’s second-half own goal handed Sunderland victory in their first top-flight meeting since 2016, sealing bragging rights for the hosts.

‎Woltemade’s reaction at full-time said everything. Applauding the travelling fans, he looked devastated, knowing a moment of cruel misfortune had defined the match.

‎Eddie Howe defended his player, “The goal came at a really bad time. Nick did not mean to do it, but he has decided to play the game. I thought we had defended pretty well.”

‎Woltemade’s seven goals since joining Newcastle this summer have already justified his signing, but this painful moment will linger longer than most.

‎Ekitike Shows Why Liverpool Values His Versatility

‎Hugo Ekitiké arrived at Liverpool with expectations tempered by the record-breaking acquisition of Alexander Isak.

‎Yet against Brighton, the French forward offered a reminder of his value beyond goals alone.

‎Operating fluidly across the frontline, Ekitiké showed intelligent movement, clinical finishing, and tireless work rate.

‎His versatility offers Liverpool tactical flexibility and hints at the possibility of pairing him alongside Isak more regularly.

‎By the time cramp forced his substitution, Ekitiké looked completely spent, a sign of both physical commitment and growing integration into Liverpool’s attacking system.

‎Nuno’s Defensive Headaches Deepen at West Ham

‎Nuno Espírito Santo built his reputation on defensive solidity, but West Ham’s ongoing struggles tell a different story. Once again, his side failed to protect a winning position, surrendering a 2-1 half-time lead to lose 3-2 against Aston Villa.

‎Errors in possession, poor organisation, and an inability to control matches late on continue to undermine West Ham’s efforts.

‎Nuno’s frustration was clear as he lamented goals conceded from avoidable situations. With the club stuck in the bottom three and still searching for a first clean sheet under his tenure, the urgency to fix defensive issues is growing by the week.

‎Palmer Shows Signs of a Chelsea Revival

‎Cole Palmer’s season has been disrupted by limited starts and cautious minutes, but his display against Everton offered Chelsea encouragement.

‎While not yet at his best, Palmer looked sharp in moments and took his goal with trademark composure.

‎Operating on the right of a midfield three, he reminded observers of his ability to unlock deep defences and create chances seemingly from nothing.

‎With competition fierce for England places, Palmer may find international opportunities limited for now, but Chelsea will hope this performance marks the start of a sustained return to form.

‎Harry Wilson Powers Fulham’s Box-Office Run

‎Burnley versus Fulham may not attract blockbuster billing, but Marco Silva’s side is quietly becoming one of the league’s most entertaining teams. At the heart of that surge is Harry Wilson.

‎With three goals and three assists in his last four games, Wilson is enjoying the most productive spell of his Premier League career.

‎At 28, he appears to be hitting his peak, combining technical quality with confidence and consistency. If his current form continues, a double-digit goal tally is firmly within reach, potentially redefining his reputation from stylish contributor to genuine threat.

‎Sean Dyche Redefines Nottingham Forest’s Identity

‎Sean Dyche’s Nottingham Forest continue to defy stereotypes. Their emphatic 3-0 victory over Tottenham showcased not just defensive discipline but expressive attacking football.

‎Forest’s recent habit of scoring freely against strong opposition suggests a team brimming with confidence.

‎Dyche’s “framework and freedom” philosophy is beginning to resonate, allowing creative players to flourish within a solid structure.

‎Ibrahim Sangaré’s goal, the lead-up to a slick team move, perfectly symbolised this evolution and hinted at a more nuanced side to Dyche’s management than many assume.

‎Calvert-Lewin Finds Redemption at Leeds

‎Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s move to Leeds initially raised eyebrows, but it is proving mutually beneficial.

‎Freed from injury setbacks and expectations that weighed heavily at Everton, the striker is rediscovering his purpose.

‎With five goals in 13 league games, Calvert-Lewin has become central to Leeds’ attacking identity. His aerial presence, hold-up play, and renewed confidence have earned admiration from manager Daniel Farke.

‎At 28, the former England international appears to be rewriting the narrative of his career.