Arsenal's Bukayo Saka (left) and Nottingham Forest's Alex Moreno. Photo: Reuters
Arsenal reignited their Premier League title bid with a 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on Saturday, while Chelsea secured third place by defeating Leicester 2-1. Arsenal, who finished second in the past two seasons, were tipped to challenge Manchester City's dominance. However, the Gunners had struggled, failing to win in their previous four league matches, leaving them nine points behind leaders Liverpool before the weekend. Liverpool faced bottom-placed Southampton on Sunday.
Martin Odegaard's comeback from injury is a significant boost for Arsenal's title aspirations, and his assist set up Bukayo Saka for the opener in the 15th minute. Saka later provided a pass for Thomas Partey's spectacular goal, doubling Arsenal's lead early in the second half. Ethan Nwaneri, a highly-rated 17-year-old, scored his first Premier League goal, slotting in Raheem Sterling's cross.
Chelsea maintained their lead over Arsenal in terms of goals scored, despite not capitalizing on their dominance in Enzo Maresca's return to Leicester. Nicolas Jackson put Chelsea ahead in the first half with his seventh goal of the season. Despite numerous missed opportunities, Enzo Fernandez eventually headed in the second goal after Jackson's saved header.
Leicester managed to pull one back through Jordan Ayew's penalty in stoppage time, but the defeat leaves them just two points above the relegation zone. Aston Villa's winless streak extended to six games, as they twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with Crystal Palace. Brighton continued their impressive start under Fabian Hurzeler with a 2-1 win at Bournemouth, climbing to fifth place.
Wolves moved out of the bottom three with a 4-1 victory at Fulham, while Everton and Brentford played out a goalless draw at Goodison Park. Manchester United's new manager, Ruben Amorim, will take charge for the first time as they visit Ipswich in Sunday's highlight match.
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