Saturday brought carnage at the top of the Premier League as Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester United all dropped points in dramatic fashion setting up a pivotal Sunday for Arsenal, who now head to Newcastle determined to make close in on Liverpool at the top.
Liverpool’s perfect start ended in heartache at Selhurst Park, where Crystal Palace stunned the Reds 2–1 thanks to a 97th-minute winner from Eddie Nketiah after Federico Chiesa had drawn Liverpool level in the 88th minute.
Early in the match, Ismaila Sarr had struck for Palace in the 9th minute.
The late collapse leaves Liverpool vulnerable atop the table, having conceded again at a critical moment.
Chelsea also suffered a brutal reversal, losing 3–1 at home to Brighton.
The Blues had taken the lead through Enzo Fernández’s header in the 24th minute, but a red card for Trevoh Chalobah (for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity) early in the second half changed the game’s complexion.
Brighton equalized and then sealed the win with goals deep in stoppage time.
Meanwhile, Manchester United disappointed in their trip to Brentford, losing 3–1.
United missed a penalty, failed to respond to Brentford’s tempo, and were undone by defensive lapses.
Those stumbles handed Arsenal a golden chance to close the gap at the top.
The Gunners, riding momentum, travel to St James’ Park on Sunday seeking to erode Liverpool’s once-comfortable cushion.
Newcastle, though, will not be pushovers: injuries and recent form have tested Eddie Howe’s squad.
Sunday’s showdown could reshape the title race.
With their rivals in freefall, Arsenal are primed to pounce and shift the landscape at the summit of English football.
