Arsenal’s David Raya, Crystal Palace’s Ismaïla Sarr, and Manchester City’s Jérémy Doku feature in this weekend’s standout moments.
**1. Raya’s Heroics Keep Arsenal on Top**
When Bruno Fernandes was named Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year on Friday, both Declan Rice and David Raya might have felt slightly overlooked—yet it was Raya who underlined his case with a vital save at the London Stadium. As Mateus Fernandes combined with Pablo to race through on goal, Arsenal appeared on the brink of another title blow. But Raya’s composure held firm, producing a technically precise one-on-one stop that allowed his side to snatch three points late on. Mikel Arteta’s team remain in the hunt for their first league crown in 22 years, and much depends on their goalkeeper’s steady hands.
**2. West Ham Left Heartbroken by VAR Decision**
Boos echoed around the London Stadium as West Ham players confronted the referee after the final whistle. Chaos had erupted in Arsenal’s box from a corner: David Raya spilled the ball, and Callum Wilson bundled home what seemed to be an equalizer. However, VAR intervened, with Chris Kavanagh asked to review a potential foul on Raya by Pablo. After a lengthy delay, the goal was disallowed, denying West Ham a deserved point for their resolute defensive display. Konstantinos Mavropanos and Mads Hermansen were outstanding in stifling Arsenal during their only dominant spell early on. The Hammers had not lost at home since early January, making this defeat especially cruel—and the pain could intensify if Tottenham beat Leeds on Monday.
**3. Doku Finds Consistent Form for City**
Jérémy Doku has now scored in three consecutive matches, but that does not exempt him from Pep Guardiola’s criticism when needed. “He shouts at everyone, I’m not different,” Doku said after his 60th-minute opener broke Brentford’s resistance. His strike, hit from the left into the far-right corner, mirrored his goal in City’s 3-3 draw at Everton. “You know what it is, it’s grace. Grace from above,” Doku added. “It’s my special weapon: Jesus. I’ve not been doing anything different—working more or less—but at this moment, it’s just going in. I’m grateful and will keep working hard. I’m happy with the victory.”
**4. Gomez Acknowledges Style-of-Play Concerns**
One of the more worrying signs for Arne Slot at Anfield was that boos from Liverpool fans stemmed not from the result or the substitution of a cramping 17-year-old, but from the team’s style of play. As at Old Trafford the previous week, supporters voiced frustration in the first half as Liverpool’s safe, passive approach allowed Chelsea to build momentum. Slot attributed the issue to Chelsea controlling midfield and noted improvement after the break. Joe Gomez admitted that a drop in intensity can occur with Slot’s methods. “One of the strengths of our coaching staff is to adapt every game and try to overload in certain areas,” he said, hinting at ongoing tactical adjustments.
**5. Ismaïla Sarr Fulfills His Potential**
Crystal Palace’s Ismaïla Sarr continues to impress, showing the form that made him a sought-after talent. His pace and directness caused constant problems for opponents, and his contribution was pivotal in Palace’s positive weekend result. Manager Oliver Glasner praised Sarr’s work ethic and decision-making, suggesting he is finally delivering on his earlier promise.
**6. Joshua Zirkzee Struggles at Sunderland**
In the Championship, Joshua Zirkzee endured a tough outing for Sunderland, failing to make an impact as the team lost ground in the promotion race. The striker, loaned from Bayern Munich, has found it difficult to adapt to the physicality of English football, with pundits questioning his fit in the system. Sunderland fans remain hopeful he can turn things around.
**7. Midfield Battle Decides Liverpool-Chelsea Clash**
The midfield duel at Anfield was key, with Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo dominating early exchanges. Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai eventually regained control, but the initial struggle highlighted Liverpool’s vulnerability against energetic midfields. Klopp’s decision to switch to a more pressing approach in the second half proved effective.
**8. Brentford’s Resilience Breaks Under City
