Matchweek 21 of the 2025/26 Premier League season has delivered a fascinating twist in the title race. While Arsenal missed a golden opportunity to extend their lead, slip-ups from Manchester City and Aston Villa ensured the Gunners remain firmly in the driver’s seat. Here is your full wrap-up of the midweek action.
The Big Match: Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool
All eyes were on the Emirates Stadium on Thursday night as league leaders Arsenal hosted Liverpool. A win would have sent Mikel Arteta’s men eight points clear at the summit, but the Gunners had to settle for a point in a tense goalless draw.
Arsenal dominated the first half, pinning Liverpool back with relentless pressure, but failed to find the breakthrough. The momentum swung dramatically after the break, with Liverpool led by Arne Slot’s tactical tweaks taking control. The home crowd grew visibly anxious as the game wore on, sensing that their side was showing the first signs of title-race jitters.
Despite the frustration, the result keeps Arsenal six points clear of second-placed Manchester City. As noted by analysts, while the performance was “jittery,” avoiding defeat against a resurgent Liverpool side could prove crucial come May.
City and Villa draws
Manchester City were held to a 1-1 draw by Brighton at the Etihad. Erling Haaland netted his 150th goal for the club from the penalty spot, but a clinical equalizer from Kaoru Mitoma condemned City to their third consecutive draw.
Aston Villa, sitting level on points with City, also missed their chance to close the gap, playing out a frustating 0-0 draw away at Crystal Palace.
Thriller at St James’ Park
The most entertaining game of the week undoubtedly came from the North East, where Newcastle United edged out Leeds United in a 4-3 classic. The Magpies showcased their fighting spirit with Harvey Barnes netting a dramatic 97th-minute winner to send St James’ Park into raptures.
Elsewhere in the League
Manchester United showed signs of life under interim boss Darren Fletcher, with Benjamin Šeško scoring a brace in a 2-2 draw away at Burnley.
Tottenham suffered a setback in their pursuit of European football, losing 3-2 to Bournemouth in a match decided by a late Antoine Semenyo strike.
Chelsea’s struggles continued with a 2-1 defeat at Fulham, piling more pressure on the Blues.
At the bottom of the table, Nottingham Forest secured a massive 2-1 win over West Ham, a result that drags the Hammers deeper into the relegation mire.
Matchweek 21 Results in Full
- Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool
- Man City 1-1 Brighton
- Crystal Palace 0-0 Aston Villa
- Newcastle 4-3 Leeds
- Bournemouth 3-2 Tottenham
- Burnley 2-2 Man Utd
- Fulham 2-1 Chelsea
- Everton 1-1 Wolves
- Brentford 3-0 Sunderland
- West Ham 1-2 Nott’m Forest
The title race remains in Arsenal’s hands, but Matchweek 21 has proven that the pressure is beginning to mount. With the gap at six points, the “mid-season slog” is officially upon us.
