Marmoush magic and relief for Spurs - Five Premier League talking points from Matchday 25

The Premier League returned after taking a backseat for last week's FA Cup action, and it's the race for Europe that seems to be heating up as we head into the final months of the campaign. 

Brighton's win over Chelsea on Friday put the Seagulls back in the conversation, while wins for Bournemouth and Manchester City strengthened their cause. 

Here's the biggest talking points from Matchday 25. 

 

Marmoush magic 

For the first time in what seems like a very long time, Manchester City had some swagger on Saturday, and a big reason for that was the performance of Omar Marmoush. 

His thirteen-minute hat-trick sent Pep Guardiola's side on their way to a comprehensive 4-0 win over a below par Newcastle, and gave the Etihad some hope that their season can be salvaged. 

It was the Egyptian's first senior treble, and his all-round performance was a much-needed boost for the champions, as was the display of Nico Gonzalez who Guardiola later called 'min-Rodri' in post-match comments. 

Whether or not it's a big enough boost to turn around their fortunes around at the Bernabeu remains to be seen, but it's a much needed relief from the City we've seen in recent weeks. 

Gunning for a striker 

Arsenal's title bid has taken a huge dent with the relentless injuries to their attack, but they may have found an unlikely short-term solution to help their goalscoring cause. 

Mikel Merino's cameo as a makeshift striker saw the Spaniard put in an Olivier Giroud-like performance, where he netted two second half goals to give the Gunners a vital win at the King Power. 

True, the goals came against a side with only one win in their last nine and with the second leakiest defence in the division, but it gives Mikel Arteta a much-needed attacking option as he looks to cover for the absence of Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka. 

The title race isn't quite over, yet. 

Spurs see some light 

In what was dubbed the 'crisis club clasico' Tottenham and Manchester United met in what was probably the most high-profile mundane midtable battle in all of Europe this weekend. 

Both teams went into the match in much need of a win, and it was the home side who prevailed with the three points to ease some pressure on boss Ange Postecoglou. 

Fuelled by the return of first-teamers James Maddison and Guglielmo Vicario, Spurs nicked a vital 1-0 win and clung on to all three points despite a flurry of missed chances from United. 

This could well end up as this season's Europa League Final, where the stakes could be much, much higher. 

PA

Liverpool wobble? 

The Reds remain seven points clear at the top of the Premier League, but it's been Arne Slot's most difficult week as Liverpool boss. 

Last weekend's FA Cup shock was followed by the Merseyside drama of midweek and then Sunday's second half display against struggling Wolves. 

It was the first time since 2003 that Liverpool had failed to record a single shot on target in a second half at Anfield in the Premier League and for the first time there's some small concern for Slot's side. 

Especially with away days at Aston Villa and Manchester City coming up, where any dropped points could see Arsenal spring back into real title contention. 

All well at the Cottage 

Some overdue praise for the job Marco Silva is doing at Fulham, who continue to overachieve without getting the plaudits they deserve. 

This weekend, they were victorious over Champions League-chasing Nottingham Forest, which means the Cottagers are now only four points off the Premier League's top five themselves. 

The race for a place in Europe's elite could be the most fascinating chase in the remaining weeks of the season. 

 

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