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Arsenal hammer Tottenham to stay top as City and Liverpool keep title race alive

Arsenal crush Tottenham to remain top, City beat Newcastle, and Liverpool secure dramatic stoppage-time win to boost standings.

By Aritra Chatterjee

Feb 23, 2026 13:28 IST

Matchweek drama in the Premier League ensured the title race remains finely poised, with Arsenal maintaining their advantage while Manchester City and Liverpool registered crucial victories on Sunday.

Manchester City secured a 2–1 victory over Newcastle United to stay within touching distance of the summit. Nico O’Riley emerged as the difference-maker, striking twice in a dominant first-half display. City took the lead in the 14th minute through O’Riley’s composed finish. Newcastle responded swiftly, with Lewis Hall levelling the score in the 22nd minute. However, O’Riley restored City’s advantage in the 27th minute, completing his brace to cap off a pulsating opening half-hour. The result lifts City to 56 points from 27 matches, keeping them firmly in pursuit of the league leaders.

Arsenal dominate North London derby

League leaders Arsenal delivered a statement performance in the North London Derby, cruising to a 4–1 win over Tottenham Hotspur.

Eberechi Eze opened the scoring before Tottenham’s Randal Kolo Muani equalised almost immediately to make it 1–1 before the break. The parity, however, proved short-lived.

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Mikel Arteta’s side took full control in the second half. Viktor Gyokeres and Eze both completed their braces as Arsenal added three more goals after the interval, overwhelming their rivals with clinical finishing and sustained attacking pressure.

The victory takes Arsenal to 61 points from 28 matches, consolidating their position at the top of the table.

Late Mac Allister strike rescues Liverpool

Elsewhere, Liverpool FC left it late to secure all three points against Nottingham Forest. The contest appeared destined for a draw until Alexis Mac Allister produced a decisive moment in stoppage time.

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The Argentine midfielder struck in the 97th minute, sealing a dramatic win that keeps Liverpool’s European hopes alive. Liverpool now sit sixth with 45 points from 27 matches, while Aston Villa, Chelsea and Manchester United occupy third, fourth and fifth place respectively.

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