Manchester City close gap on Arsenal in the Premier League title race after a 3-0 victory over Fulham, reducing the difference at the top of the table to three points. The result came just days after City’s late comeback win over Liverpool, intensifying pressure on the league leaders.
In other matches on Wednesday, Liverpool defeated Sunderland 1-0 at the Stadium of Light, ending the hosts’ unbeaten home record this season. Aston Villa also strengthened their position in third place, while Burnley secured a long-awaited win.
The latest round of fixtures has tightened the competition for the title and European qualification places, with only a few points separating several top clubs.
Manchester City close gap on Arsenal with commanding Fulham win
City effectively settled the contest in the first half at the Etihad Stadium, scoring three goals in a 15-minute spell. Antoine Semenyo opened the scoring with his fifth goal since joining from Bournemouth in January.
The Ghana international then provided an assist for Nico O’Reilly, who calmly chipped goalkeeper Bernd Leno to double the advantage during a rapid counterattack.
Erling Haaland added a third before the break, scoring his first Premier League goal from open play since December 20 with a powerful strike from outside the box. Manager Pep Guardiola later substituted the Norwegian striker in the second half, offering him a rare rest.
The victory marked City’s 20th consecutive win over Fulham in all competitions. Arsenal can restore a six-point cushion when they face Brentford on Thursday, but their lead has narrowed from nine points to three within four days.
Title race pressure increases
City’s resurgence follows January additions including Semenyo and defender Marc Guehi, moves that have reinforced both attack and defence.
Arsenal, seeking a first league title in 22 years, now face renewed pressure as the defending champions continue their pursuit.
Liverpool breach Sunderland fortress
Liverpool remained sixth in the standings but boosted their hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League with a 1-0 win away to Sunderland.
Virgil van Dijk scored the decisive goal early in the second half, heading in from a Mohamed Salah corner. It was Liverpool’s second league victory of 2026.
Coach Arne Slot acknowledged before the match that failure to secure Champions League football could put his position at risk, despite winning the league title in his debut season.
The result moved Liverpool to within:
• Two points of fifth-placed Chelsea
• Three points of fourth-placed Manchester United
Sunderland’s defeat ended their status as the only side unbeaten at home in the Premier League this season. The loss dropped them to 11th place.
Aston Villa strengthen third place as Burnley stage comeback
Aston Villa edged closer to securing Champions League qualification after a 1-0 victory over Brighton, decided by a late own goal from Jack Hinshelwood under pressure from Tyrone Mings.
Brighton midfielder James Milner made his 653rd Premier League appearance, equalling the all-time record held by Gareth Barry. The Seagulls are now winless in six matches.
Burnley ended a 16-match winless run in the league with a 3-2 comeback victory over Crystal Palace.
Crystal Palace had taken a 2-0 lead through Jorgen Strand Larsen, who scored twice on his home debut following a club-record £48 million move from Wolves. However, goals from Hannibal Mejbri and Jaidon Anthony levelled the match before Jefferson Lerma’s own goal completed Burnley’s turnaround.
Elsewhere, Nottingham Forest’s 0-0 draw against Wolves left them three points above the relegation zone. British media reported that coach Sean Dyche faces the risk of dismissal, after the club had already parted ways with Nuno Espirito Santo and Ange Postecoglou earlier this season.
Conclusion:
With Arsenal set to play Brentford, the Premier League title race remains finely balanced. Manchester City’s recent results have narrowed the gap at the top, while the battle for Champions League qualification and survival continues to intensify across the table.
