- TheRadar has compiled below a recap of matches played by the top 6 clubs in game week 26
- Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to 11 points with a commanding 2-0 win over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium
- Arsenal suffered a shock 1-0 home defeat to West Ham, dealing a blow to their title hopes as Jarrod Bowen's goal proved decisive
The latest round of Premier League action delivered drama, controversy, and important results as the title race and European qualification battle intensified.
Liverpool maintained their place at the top with a commanding 2-0 victory over Manchester City, extending their lead to 11 points. Manchester United rescued a 2-2 draw at Everton, but a late VAR controversy denied the Toffees a potential match-winning penalty.
Tottenham thrashed Ipswich 4-1, keeping their European hopes alive, while Arsenal’s title bid suffered a setback with a 1-0 loss to West Ham.
Here’s how the top six teams performed in another thrilling weekend of football.
How the top 6 EPL clubs performed
Here's a summary of how the top 6 teams performed:
Everton 2-2 Manchester United
Everton and Manchester United played out a pulsating 2-2 draw at Goodison Park, but the game ended in controversy as the hosts were denied a last-minute penalty after a contentious VAR decision.
David Moyes’ side dominated the first half, surging into a 2-0 lead with Beto’s stunning volley in the 19th minute and Abdoulaye Doucoure’s close-range header in the 33rd.
However, United fought back after the break, with Bruno Fernandes’ sublime free-kick in the 72nd minute and Manuel Ugarte’s thunderous volley on 80 minutes salvaging a point for Ruben Amorim’s men.
Referee Andy Madley initially awarded Everton a spot-kick in stoppage time when Ashley Young’s shirt was visibly pulled by Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt. However, after reviewing the footage on the pitchside monitor, he overturned his decision, much to the frustration of the home crowd.
Ipswich Town 1-4 Tottenham
Tottenham Hotspur continued their resurgence in February with a commanding 4-1 victory over Ipswich Town at Portman Road.
Ange Postecoglou’s men made it three consecutive Premier League wins, demonstrating their confidence after a challenging period marred by injuries.
Brennan Johnson, returning to the starting lineup after a month out with a calf issue, made an immediate impact by scoring twice in the first half.
His finishing put Spurs in control early on, despite Ipswich showing plenty of fight. The hosts worked tirelessly but struggled to contain Tottenham’s attacking threat.
Djed Spence and Dejan Kulusevski added late goals to seal an important result. After the match, Postecoglou praised his team’s energy and resilience, emphasising the importance of using the upcoming international break to recharge.
With European qualification still within reach, Spurs aimed to capitalise on their growing form as they prepared for a Europa League last-16 tie against AZ Alkmaar.
Arsenal 0-1 West Ham
Arsenal suffered a major setback in their Premier League title chase after a frustrating 1-0 loss to West Ham at the Emirates.
Jarrod Bowen netted the decisive goal on the stroke of halftime, capitalising on a rare defensive lapse from the Gunners. Despite dominating possession, Mikel Arteta’s side struggled to break down a well-organised West Ham defence.
Arsenal’s attacking problems were evident, with key players such as Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Martinelli all missing due to injuries. Their problems worsened when Myles Lewis-Skelly was sent off in the 73rd minute, leaving them with 10 men.
After the match, Arteta admitted he was “very, very angry” and insisted that the performance was “nowhere near” the required standard to compete with title rivals Liverpool.
He urged his squad to raise their levels as the season progressed, warning that such performances would not be enough in the title race.
Aston Villa 2-1 Chelsea
Aston Villa staged a dramatic comeback to secure a 2-1 victory over Chelsea, with new signings Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford proving instrumental in their push for European football.
Chelsea took the lead in the ninth minute through Enzo Fernandez, who finished off a low cross from Pedro Neto after the winger had skillfully bypassed Ian Maatsen.
Despite their early advantage, the Blues failed to build on their momentum, allowing Villa to grow into the game.
Half-time substitute Rashford made an immediate impact, initially seeing a goal ruled out for offside before VAR overturned the decision. Minutes later, he provided a perfect assist for Asensio, who bundled home Matty Cash’s delivery.
With the game heading for a draw, Asensio struck again in the 90th minute after Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen allowed his first-time effort to slip underneath him. Villa’s midfield, led by John McGinn and Youri Tielemans, controlled the game throughout as Chelsea’s attacking struggles continued.
Manchester City 0-2 Liverpool
Liverpool delivered a statement performance to move 11 points clear at the top of the Premier League with a 2-0 win over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
Despite controlling possession, Pep Guardiola’s side, missing their talisman Erling Haaland, struggled to break down a disciplined Liverpool defence.
The visitors struck early, with Mohamed Salah netting his 30th goal of the season in all competitions after just 14 minutes. A well-worked corner routine saw Dominik Szoboszlai delicately flick the ball into Salah’s path, and his deflected shot left Ederson helpless.
City continued to push forward, but Liverpool remained resolute and capitalised on their attacking momentum.
Eight minutes before halftime, Salah turned provider, cutting inside before slipping a pass to Szoboszlai, who calmly slotted past Ederson.
Liverpool thought they had a third when Szoboszlai set up Curtis Jones, but VAR ruled it out. City however failed to mount a response, slipping to another frustrating defeat as Liverpool extended their gap in the title race.
English Premier League Matchweek 2 Roundup: How the top 6 teams performed
Previously, TheRadar reported that the second week of Premier League action brought plenty of goals, late drama, and a few unexpected twists. Manchester United’s struggles continued as they faced yet another frustrating loss to Brighton, raising early questions about Erik ten Hag’s ability to fix their ongoing issues.
Meanwhile, Tottenham bounced back from a disappointing opening game with a dominant win over Everton, while Chelsea’s attacking prowess shone in their victory over Wolves, though defensive concerns linger.
