Arsenal answered Manchester City’s win over Leeds on Saturday by securing a narrow 2-1 home victory against Chelsea, keeping the Gunners five points clear at the top of the Premier League.
There is still uncertainty surrounding Erling Haaland’s fitness after he missed City’s 1-0 triumph at Elland Road. Meanwhile, Manchester United fought back to beat Crystal Palace, and Tottenham suffered yet another defeat, this time against Fulham.
Midweek Premier League action is coming up, with fixtures scheduled for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday night:
• Brighton 2-1 Nottingham Forest
• Fulham 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur
• Manchester United 2-1 Crystal Palace
• Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea
‘It’s costing them’
Chelsea legend Gary Cahill insists the club does not have a fundamental discipline issue but admits improvements are needed. Speaking on talkSPORT, the former defender addressed Pedro Neto’s red card against Arsenal.
“I don’t think it’s a widespread problem,” Cahill said. “Sometimes it’s just inexperience. The frustrating ones are the cheap bookings. If you’re going to take a yellow, let it be for a mistimed tackle or stopping a counter. The dissent ones hurt the team and manager. It’s something they must fix because it’s costing them this season.”
Mudryk back
Mykhailo Mudryk has shared footage of himself training on a non-league pitch while serving his football ban. The Ukrainian posted a video on Instagram showing him scoring a powerful left-footed strike.
The session was arranged privately by Mudryk, who rented the pitch and is not training with Chelsea or Uxbridge. He has been suspended since December 2024 after being charged with violating anti-doping rules. In 2025, his provisional suspension became a full ban. His Chelsea contract currently runs until 2031.
Ell of a disaster
Former Aston Villa CEO Christian Purslow believes Liverpool will not renegotiate Harvey Elliott’s loan terms due to the high stakes of Champions League qualification.
Villa had agreed to buy Elliott for £35m if he made ten Premier League appearances — a threshold manager Unai Emery has indicated will not be met. Purslow suggested Liverpool are unwilling to alter the deal because the financial rewards of finishing in the top five far outweigh any potential loss related to Elliott’s playing time.
Slot machine
Liverpool boss Arne Slot has admitted modern Premier League matches are no longer always enjoyable to watch due to the heavy emphasis on set pieces. Seven of Liverpool’s last nine league goals in 2026 have come from dead-ball situations.
“I accept it,” Slot said ahead of the trip to Wolves. “But my football heart doesn’t like it. When I think of football, I think of Barcelona from 10 or 15 years ago. Still, the competitiveness is what makes this league great.”
Buk to the future
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink believes Bukayo Saka is closing in on Harry Kane and Declan Rice among England’s strongest Ballon d’Or contenders.
“I think Rice has been almost perfect this season,” he said. “And what Kane is doing in Germany is ridiculous. But Saka is very, very close behind them — that’s how highly I rate him.”
Have they got the Wright stuff?
Ian Wright has expressed concern about Arsenal’s nervy finishes after their 2-1 win over ten-man Chelsea.
“Chelsea actually started to play after the red card, which was worrying,” Wright said. “Arsenal are showing jittery nerves late in games. They need to take chances earlier so they can relax. The job was done, but I’ll be nervous for the next match.”
Simon says
Simon Jordan believes Tottenham may avoid relegation only because teams around them — particularly West Ham — are struggling even more. Spurs remain winless in the Premier League in 2026 and sit just four points above the drop zone.
“The only thing keeping Spurs up is the lack of performance from other sides,” Jordan said.
Four-midable
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has named his preferred England back four ahead of the World Cup, selecting Reece James at right-back, Marc Guehi alongside either Harry Maguire or Ezri Konsa in central defence, and Luke Shaw on the left.
Kit of all right
Aston Villa, Everton, Leeds United and Sunderland have released limited-edition shirts for St Patrick’s Day, celebrating each club’s Irish connections. Club legends including Niall Quinn, Ian Harte, Paul McGrath and James McCarthy have modelled the kits.
In good Nic
Arsenal set-piece coach Nicolas Jover reportedly earns a bonus for every dead-ball goal scored. With the Gunners already netting 16 Premier League goals from corners this season — including both against Chelsea — the clause appears to be paying off.
Mor drama
Former Manchester United assistant Adelio Candido has admitted frustration that Ruben Amorim’s tactical ideas were not fully implemented during their time at Old Trafford.
Micky taker
Tony Cascarino has criticised Micky van de Ven’s leadership after Tottenham’s defeat at Fulham, suggesting the defender failed to organise the back line effectively while wearing the captain’s armband.
Tudor is to do
Concerns are growing around Igor Tudor’s early spell as Tottenham interim boss following back-to-back defeats. Spurs sit 16th with ten games remaining, and some fear further losses could prompt another managerial change.
Crown Jules
Julen Lopetegui has revealed he would welcome a return to the Premier League in the future, despite previous spells with Wolves and West Ham ending in disappointment.
Taking the Nick
Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann insists he still fully trusts Newcastle striker Nick Woltemade despite the forward’s recent goal drought.
Back Warnock
Neil Warnock is set for another touchline return at age 77, taking temporary charge of Torquay United for their National League South match against Farnborough following Paul Wotton’s dismissal.
Cris-is?
Cristiano Ronaldo is awaiting medical tests after suffering muscle fatigue during Al Nassr’s 3-1 win over Al Fayha. The veteran forward was substituted late in the match and later seen with ice on his knee.
Lips sealed
Pep Guardiola refused to reveal the specific reason behind Erling Haaland’s absence from Manchester City’s win over Leeds. The striker was deemed not ready, and his availability for the upcoming match against Nottingham Forest remains uncertain. Guardiola also criticised the congested fixture schedule facing his side.
Rosenior reacts
Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior has vowed to address his side’s discipline problems after their seventh Premier League red card of the season.
“We have to get to the bottom of it,” he said. “It’s not acceptable — if we don’t fix it, it will keep costing us.”
Boehly bombshell
Todd Boehly has admitted Chelsea pushed to sign Marc Cucurella in 2022 largely because Manchester City were also interested. The American owner said he was still learning the football business during his first transfer window after taking over the club.
New deal
Sunderland defender Dan Ballard has signed a contract extension keeping him at the club until summer 2029, with an option for a further year.
Rice update
Declan Rice will undergo assessment after asking to be substituted during Arsenal’s win over Chelsea. Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed the midfielder will be checked ahead of Wednesday’s trip to Brighton.
