London, Dec 27: Arsenal reclaimed the top spot in the Premier League thanks to Martin Odegaard’s first goal of the season, overcoming Brighton 2-1 in a tense encounter.
The Gunners took the lead when Bart Verbruggen’s goal-kick was intercepted, allowing Bukayo Saka to set up Odegaard from the edge of the area.
Declan Rice’s corner shortly after the restart was deflected in by Georginio Rutter, giving Arsenal a 2-0 advantage. Brighton pulled one back through Diego Gomez, but a crucial save from David Raya ensured the three points returned to the north London club.
Jimenez Nets Late Winner as Fulham Beat West Ham
Raul Jimenez struck a late header to give Fulham a 1-0 victory over West Ham, marking the Cottagers’ third consecutive Premier League win. Despite West Ham creating several chances, including efforts from Jarrod Bowen and Callum Wilson, Fulham held firm until Jimenez capitalised on a defensive lapse in the closing stages. The loss leaves the Hammers 18th, five points from safety, with crucial fixtures ahead against Brighton and Wolves.
Wirtz Scores First Liverpool Goal in Emotional Win Over Wolves
Liverpool secured a 2-1 win against Wolves at Anfield on a day that honoured the late Diogo Jota. Ryan Gravenberch opened the scoring before Florian Wirtz netted his first goal for the club.
Wolves briefly threatened through Santiago Bueno, but Liverpool held on to record their third consecutive league victory.
Jota’s sons took to the field as mascots, and both sets of fans paid tribute by singing his name in the 20th minute.
Burnley and Everton Share Spoils in Goalless Draw
Relegation-threatened Burnley held Everton to a 0-0 draw at Turf Moor, marking their second consecutive match without defeat. Despite a few half-chances, including Jacob Bruun Larsen’s effort for Burnley and Beto’s near-miss for Everton, neither side could find the breakthrough.
The result leaves Burnley six points adrift of safety while Everton sits 11th with 25 points from 18 games.
Cherki Fires Late Winner as Manchester City Beat Nottingham Forest
Rayan Cherki scored an 83rd-minute winner to give Manchester City a 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest, keeping them in touch with Arsenal at the top. Tijjani Reijnders had put City ahead, only for Omari Hutchinson to equalise.
Cherki’s strike, following a Forest defensive error, secured all three points as City extended their winning streak to eight games across all competitions.
Schade Hat-Trick Leads Brentford to Rout of Bournemouth
Kevin Schade starred for Brentford with a hat-trick in a 5-1 demolition of Bournemouth. Schade’s early opener set the tone, followed by a series of goals, including a bizarre own-goal from the visitors. Despite a late consolation from Antoine Semenyo, Brentford dominated throughout, moving up to eighth, while Bournemouth remain 15th.
Dorgu’s First Goal Seals Manchester United Victory Over Newcastle
Patrick Dorgu scored his first Manchester United goal in a 1-0 win against Newcastle at Old Trafford.
The 21-year-old’s stunning volley proved decisive as United secured their first home win in four league games. Newcastle had multiple opportunities to equalise, but goalkeeper Senne Lammens made crucial saves.
The victory lifts United to fifth, six points clear of Newcastle in 11th place. As the Premier League weekend drew to a close, the landscape at the top and across the table offered a fascinating snapshot of the drama, resilience, and unpredictability that continues to define this season. Arsenal’s hard-fought 2-1 win over Brighton not only reclaimed them the summit of English football but also showcased Martin Odegaard stepping into the spotlight with his first goal of the campaign, a timely reminder of his creative influence and leadership on the pitch.
Meanwhile, Fulham continued their remarkable surge, with Raul Jimenez’s late header sealing a vital 1-0 victory over West Ham, underscoring the Cottagers’ growing confidence and leaving the Hammers grappling with mounting relegation worries. Taken together, this weekend encapsulated everything that makes the Premier League a global spectacle. (Agencies)
