Arsenal needed a positive result after three Premier League matches without a win. They did, but only just. It was not routine or pretty. They had to dig hard and deep against a tough Aston Villa team. Two minutes into stoppage time, a win did not seem likely.
And yet, if it showed just how crucial that win was, Manchester City failed to kill off a game they dominated from start to finish, allowing Chris Wood to score from two yards. Two points ahead plus a game in hand helps to buy more time at the top for Mikel Arteta’s men.
Still, the plot thickens at Chelsea. Another loss to the worst team in the division. Crisis talks held at the top, but Graham Potter remains the coach. The question, of course, is how long until they run out of patience? This is a new leadership, but even they must be aware of how things used to run on this side of London.
For all the promise that Newcastle showed at the start of the season, the Magpies are slowly sliding down to where everyone expects they should be. Yet, there could be plenty to hold on to if they somehow overcome Manchester United in the Carabao Cup on Sunday.
In effect, there is a lot to expect from this gameweek.
Review Of Gameweek 24
The previous week of football action delivered intense drama, upsets, and excitement.
Arsenal showed heart to come from behind twice and earn a crucial 4-2 win against Aston Villa.
Vitaly Janelt scored a last gasp goal to force a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace.
Bournemouth did enough to secure a 1-0 win against Wolves, as Fulham scored late to hand Brighton a rare 1-0 loss.
Sean Dyche continues to galvanise this Everton team as they ground out a 1-0 win against Leeds United.
James Ward-Prowse’s delightful free-kick was enough to see Southampton claim an unexpected win over a richly-assembled Chelsea team.
Manchester City rued their misses as Nottingham scored late to grab a 1-1 draw.
Newcastle’s winless run continues following a 2-0 loss to Liverpool.
Marcus Rashford scored in his fifth consecutive match to hand Manchester United a comfortable 3-0 win against Leicester City.
Tottenham enjoyed a comfortable 2-0 victory at home against West Ham.
Preview Of Gameweek 25
This weekend’s action promises excitement and drama.
Friday night football will see Fulham host Wolves. The Cottagers will fancy their chances against an inconsistent Julen Lopetegui team.
Everton and Aston Villa face off on Saturday afternoon, while Leicester City welcome the Premier League leaders, Arsenal.
West Ham will do battle against Nottingham Forest, as Leeds United take on Southampton.
Manchester City will be desperate to return to winning ways against Bournemouth after two lacklustre performances in the past week.
Liverpool, who travel to London to face Crystal Palace, will hope to bounce back from their embarrassing Champions League loss in midweek.
The final match of this gameweek is a blockbuster London derby between Tottenham and Chelsea. Harry Kane will be desperate to get on the scoresheet.
Predictions For Gameweek 25
BetBiga booking code: n2x7c
Fulham vs Wolves (over 1.5 goals)
Everton vs Aston Villa (under 3.5 goals)
Leicester City vs Arsenal (2)
West Ham vs Nottingham Forest (over 1.5 goals)
Leeds United vs Southampton (X2)
Bournemouth vs Manchester City (2)
Crystal Palace vs Liverpool (over 2.5 goals)
Tottenham vs Chelsea (goal/goal)
