Arsenal Stumble In Premier League Title Race As Manchester City Stroll

Arsenal blew a chance to make up significant ground on Premier League leaders Liverpool on Saturday with a frustrating draw at Brighton as Manchester City pummelled West Ham 4-1. In-form Newcastle inflicted another painful defeat on Ange Postecoglou's struggling Tottenham and Chelsea's recent woes continued with a 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace. Mikel Arteta's Arsenal, Premier League runners-up over the past two seasons, travelled to the south coast hunting a fourth straight league win in the evening kick-off. Seventeen-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, in for the injured Bukayo Saka, scored a first-half goal to put them on course for a vital three points.

But after being felled by an accidental headbutt from William Saliba, stand-in Seagulls captain Joao Pedro fired home from the spot in the 61st minute.

The 1-1 draw means the second-placed Gunners are five points behind Liverpool, having played two games more, with Arne Slot's in-form leaders hosting crisis-hit Manchester United on Sunday.

Arteta said his team had under-performed in the second half, failing to build momentum, adding that the penalty award was "bizarre".

"We are really disappointed with the decision that leads to the goal because I have never seen something like this in my life," the Spaniard told the BBC. 

"He (Saliba) touches the ball as well."

City turned corner?

Manchester City's win at home against West Ham means they have now won successive matches for the first time since October and Pep Guardiola will hope they are back on track after a horror run of one victory in 13 games in all competitions.

The defending champions took an early lead through a Vladimir Coufal own goal and two goals from Erling Haaland put City in total command.

Phil Foden made it 4-0