Arsenal’s David Raya, Crystal Palace’s Ismaïla Sarr and Manchester City’s Jérémy Doku were among the standout performers in a weekend of Premier League action that had significant implications for the title race, European places, and relegation battle.
1. Raya to the Rescue Again for Leaders
On Friday, Bruno Fernandes was named Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year, but Arsenal’s Declan Rice and David Raya could have felt aggrieved. Both have been vital to Arsenal’s double bid, but Raya showed his worth at the London Stadium with a pinpoint one-on-one save that gave Arsenal the platform for a vital late win. Mikel Arteta’s side were on the ropes as Mateus Fernandes exchanged a one-two with Pablo to run in on goal. Raya held his nerve, making the most crucial of saves. Arsenal’s dream of a first title in 22 years remains in his hands.
2. West Ham Suffer Brutal Blow
Boos rang out at the London Stadium as West Ham’s players approached the referee after the final whistle. Chaos had descended in the Arsenal box after a corner. David Raya flapped and the ball broke to Callum Wilson, whose snapshot levelled the score. But VAR called for Chris Kavanagh to review a potential foul on Raya by Pablo. After a lengthy wait, the goal was disallowed, denying West Ham a deserved point. Konstantinos Mavropanos and Mads Hermansen were standouts in defence. West Ham had not lost at home since early January before this brutal finish.
3. Doku Hoping for More Good Form
Jérémy Doku scored for a third consecutive game, but Pep Guardiola will still have a stern word if required. “He shouts at everyone, I’m not different,” said Doku, whose 60th-minute opener broke Brentford’s resistance. As in City’s 3-3 draw at Everton, the strike was hit from the left and found the far-right corner. “It’s grace from above,” Doku said. “It’s my special weapon: Jesus. I’m just grateful. I’ll continue to work hard.”
4. Gomez Concedes Style-of-Play Problem
Perhaps the most concerning aspect of the Anfield boos for Arne Slot is that they were triggered by Liverpool’s style of play. In the first half, fans voiced disapproval of safe, passive football as Chelsea gained momentum. Slot attributed the problem to Chelsea controlling midfield, but Joe Gomez admitted a drop in intensity is likely at times. “One of the strengths of our coaching staff is to adapt every game and overload in certain areas. It does get frustrating when it gets fragmented,” Gomez said.
5. Door Closing on Zirkzee’s Lacklustre Spell
When Joshua Zirkzee scored a dramatic winner against Fulham on his Manchester United debut, it encouraged hopes of a bright future. But much has changed since August 2024, and Zirkzee’s £36.5m transfer from Bologna has not worked. The 24-year-old’s performance in Saturday’s goalless draw at Sunderland was indicative of his struggles. He has scored nine times in 73 appearances and lacks the goal threat of Benjamin Sesko. When he was replaced shortly after the hour mark, it felt like a step closer to the end of an underwhelming United career.
6. Howe Begins Transfer Planning
It promises to be a summer of change at Newcastle. Eddie Howe left Anthony Gordon, the subject of interest from Bayern Munich, on the bench at Nottingham Forest, while Kieran Trippier, who is leaving at the end of the season, did not start. Lewis Hall switched flanks. Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães are among those with uncertain futures. “We have got one eye on the future,” Howe said. “It’s our duty to look to the future and see what the new team is going to look like next year.”
7. Burnley’s Weiss Learns Lessons on Audition
Caretaker Mike Jackson made six changes from the defeat to Leeds, handing a Premier League debut to 21-year-old goalkeeper Max Weiss. Weiss replaced Martin Dubravka, who will not be at Turf Moor next season. The German struggled with crosses, and Villa tested him at corners. For the disallowed Ollie Watkins goal, he failed to deal with a cross, knocking his confidence. But he made some respectable saves late on. It is a difficult league for an inexperienced goalkeeper, and Weiss is finding out where he needs to improve.
8. Iraola Will Be Missed by Talented Squad
Andoni Iraola has options, a live contender for vacancies at Crystal Palace and Chelsea. Before that, a clean break with Bournemouth. “It was not an easy decision but once it is made, you feel relief,” said Iraola after the win at Fulham. Bigger clubs will place heavier scrutiny on the softly spoken Basque. His successor, Marco Rose, will inherit a talented squad from which Rayan, the match-winner on Saturday, is a gem. He and Eli Junior Kroupi have scored 17 goals between them in the league.
9. Sarr Surpasses Glasner’s Target
Oliver Glasner challenged Ismaïla Sarr to hit double figures before the season, but the Senegal forward has far exceeded expectations. After helping Palace reach the Conference League final with his ninth goal in that competition, Sarr took his tally to 20 with a goal against Everton on Sunday. “I’m a bit surprised that he’s now 20, but I’m pretty sure it will be more than that this season,” said Glasner. “We didn’t make him quicker or jump higher, but we could see his attitude and talent from day one.”
10. Hinshelwood Thriving in No 10 Job
Brighton’s ascension to the European places has been propelled by academy graduate Jack Hinshelwood, who scored for the third consecutive game in the defeat of Wolves. The 21-year-old midfielder broke into the senior team at full-back under Roberto De Zerbi but has become Fabian Hürzeler’s go-to No 10. After two fine finishes against Chelsea and Newcastle, Hinshelwood used his head to give Brighton the lead within 35 seconds on Saturday. “He has a really good understanding of the game,” Hürzeler said. Hinshelwood was a key player for England’s under-21s as they won the European Championship last summer.
