Arsenal suffer title jolt against inspired United, Villa close gap

LONDON, England, Jan 25 : Arsenal will not be hitting the panic button but the Premier League title jitters are beginning to surface in north London as a 3-2 home defeat by Manchester United on Sunday left the door ajar to the chasers.

Stunning second-half goals by Patrick Dorgu and Matheus Cunha earned United a first Premier League win at Arsenal since 2017 to loosen their grip on top spot.

Instead of restoring their seven-point lead, Arsenal's first home defeat of the season in all competitions left them four points ahead of Manchester City and Aston Villa.

City had got back to winning ways by beating Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday while Villa won 2-0 at Newcastle United on Sunday before Arsenal kicked off at The Emirates Stadium.

A stunning first-half strike by Emiliano Buendia and a late goal by Ollie Watkins sealed the points for Villa who bounced back impressively from last week's home defeat by Everton.

Arsenal, who are now three league games without a win, have 50 points from 23 games with City and Villa on 46 while a rejuvenated United are fourth with 38.

Chelsea are fifth with 37 after a 3-1 victory at Crystal Palace sealed with goals by Estevao, Joao Pedro and Enzo Fernandez. Chris Richards grabbed a consolation goal for the hosts who had Adam Wharton sent off.

Nottingham Forest moved five points above the relegation zone with a 2-0 win at Brentford.

Arsenal are chasing a first title since 2004 and could well have built a commanding lead with City and Villa stumbling of late. But Sunday's loss, following consecutive 0-0 draws, has raised the anxiety levels.

"You have to give credit to Manchester United. We gave them a goal which is unusual and painful, then two brilliant moments with incredible goals. We were not