Sunday, 26 January 2026
If the Premier League title race felt like a procession for Arsenal at the turn of the year, this Sunday has blown the doors wide open. In a weekend defined by shifting momentums, Mikel Arteta’s side suffered their first home defeat of the season, while Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest capitalized on their rivals’ slip-ups with clinical away performances.
Arsenal 2-3 Manchester United: Carrick Ball Arrives
The narrative at the Emirates was supposed to be Arsenal reasserting their dominance. Instead, it became the headline act for Michael Carrick’s “New Manager bounce.” Having replaced Ruben Amorim earlier this month, Carrick has quickly instilled a counter-attacking venom that was on full display in north London.
Arsenal initially looked comfortable after a Lisandro Martínez own goal gave them a 29th-minute lead, but individual errors cost them dearly. A lapse in concentration from Martin Zubimendi allowed Bryan Mbeumo—United’s standout signing of the season—to equalize with a sharp finish. The game turned on its head early in the second half when January arrival Patrick Dorgu fired United ahead. The young Dane, who has looked electric since his move from Lecce, unfortunately limped off with a hamstring injury shortly after, casting a shadow over his goalscoring cameo.
Though Mikel Merino clawed Arsenal back to 2-2, the fragility in the Gunners’ backline was exposed again. With three minutes remaining, Matheus Cunha curled home a stunning winner, sending the travelling support into raptures and leaving Arteta to ponder a run of three games without a win. The result cuts Arsenal’s lead to just four points, officially reigniting the title conversation.
Newcastle United 0-2 Aston Villa: Emery’s Masterclass
While Arsenal faltered, Unai Emery’s Aston Villa made no such mistake in the northeast, producing a disciplined and ruthless 2-0 victory over Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
Villa weathered an early storm from the hosts before Emiliano Buendía silenced the Gallowgate End in the 19th minute. The Argentine playmaker uncorked a magnificent 20-yard drive that left Nick Pope with no chance. From there, it was a case of managed control. Villa’s backline absorbed Newcastle’s pressure with ease, and as the Magpies pushed for an equalizer, they were undone on the break.
Ollie Watkins sealed the points in the 88th minute, ghosting in at the back post to head home a Lucas Digne corner. The victory moves Villa onto 46 points, level with Manchester City and just four adrift of Arsenal. What looked like a two-horse race is now undeniably a three-way battle.
Brentford 0-2 Nottingham Forest: Dyche Masterminds Safety Push
At the other end of the table, Sean Dyche’s Nottingham Forest took a massive stride toward safety with a gritty 2-0 win over Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Forest, who have struggled for consistency on the road, looked a team transformed. Igor Jesus set the tone early, smashing a volley past Caoimhín Kelleher in the 12th minute to give the visitors a lead they defended with typical Dyche resilience. Brentford’s afternoon went from bad to worse as they lost both Kristoffer Ajer and Mikkel Damsgaard to first-half injuries, disrupting any rhythm they hoped to build.
Forest waited for their moment to kill the game, and it came via Taiwo Awoniyi. The striker produced a moment of solo brilliance in the 79th minute, powering through the Bees’ defense to slot home the second. The result makes it seven points from the last nine for Forest, putting significant daylight between them and the relegation zone.
The State of Play
As Monday dawns, the Premier League table looks significantly different. Arsenal (50 points) remain top, but their invincibility has been pierced. Manchester City and Aston Villa (both 46 points) are breathing down their necks. Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest’s resurgence suggests the relegation scrap may soon be happening without them. The 2025/26 season has just hit top gear.