Things are heating up in the English Premier League as Arsenal, Man City and Liverpool continue in close proximity to realize their aspirations of grabbing the top position in the standings and winning the league. Gameweek 26 of the league saw a lot of drama, late goals and some shocking results in the run-up to the business end of the season. Here are some of the key highlights of Gameweek 26 and the latest Premier League standings.
Liverpool come from behind to beat Luton Town while Fulham sinks Man United at home!
The Reds have a longer list of injuries than fit first-team players in the squad. However, it seems nothing can deter Liverpool in Jurgen Klopp’s last season as manager. Despite trailing to an early goal scored by Luton Town who were at home, Liverpool came to life in the second half and scored 4 goals to secure the victory. The final score read 4-1 to elevate Liverpool to 60 points and finish gameweek 26 in 1st position. For Luton Town, the loss meant that the distance between them safety and relegation is four points.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils, Manchester United, were dealt a massive blow to their aspirations of finishing in the top four. United entered the game on the back of an impressive run of five wins. However, they fell to 12th placed Fulham who came to Old Trafford with an agenda. The visitors scored a late winner in injury time through a brilliant counter attack to sink Man United in gameweek 26.
Man City grind out a victory away from home, while Arsenal continue bullying the Premier League
Reigning champions Man City traveled to Bournemouth over the weekend in search of three crucial points. City were greeted by a hostile crowd in the Vitality Stadium, but seemed focused on completing the task. Despite creating a plethora of chances, the champions struggled to score many goals and rode home with three points on the back of an early Phil Foden goal. City have had problems at the back recently and looked delighted to come away with a clean sheet. With the win, City’s point tally rose to 59 and they ended gameweek 26 in 2nd spot.
On the other hand were Arsenal, who have recently simply terrorized the league. Mikel Arteta’s men have now scored 25 goals in their last five premier league outings. The boys from London enjoyed another fluid session of football and scored four goals against a vulnerable Newcastle. At the end of the game, the scoreboard read 4-1 in favor of Arsenal. The win helped Arsenal add three points to their tally and now they sit in third position with 58 points.
Relegation Talk:
As exciting as the three horse race at the top of the table has been, let’s take a look at the brewing battle at the bottom of the table as teams desperately attempt to avoid relegation.
Everton grab a crucial point away from home as Nottingham Forest fall to mighty Aston Villa.
Everton has been a club in turmoil for the last few seasons and seemed in serious danger of being relegated this season. However, in recent weeks the club has pulled up its socks. Away from home, Everton took the lead against a strong Brighton away from home. The club was guaranteed to run away with three before a very very late equalizer from Lewis Dunk drew the game 1-1. However, with the point away from home, Everton now have accumulated 25 points and move into 15th place. Like Brentford, they are now 5 points clear of the relegation zone. They will breathe a sigh of relief at the end of gameweek 26 as only two match days ago they were 18th.
Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest were handed a beating at the hands of Aston Villa away from home. The 4-2 saw them finish gameweek 26 in 17th position with 24 points. The club has recently consistently fallen in the league standings and will hope their free fall stops or that Luton Town in 18th doesn’t start winning.
Elsewhere, Sheffield United and Burnley continued their shambolic campaign with yet another loss in gameweek 26. Both clubs have accumulated only 13 points this season and are 11 points away from safety. They remain the favorites to be relegated, while Luton Town, Forest, Everton and Brentford attempt to escape being the third club to be relegated at the end of the season.
Premier League Standings after Gameweek 26:
| POS. | CLUB | MP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | PTS |
| 1 | Liverpool | 26 | 18 | 6 | 2 | 63 | 25 | 38 | 60 |
| 2 | Manchester City | 26 | 18 | 5 | 3 | 59 | 26 | 33 | 59 |
| 3 | Arsenal | 26 | 18 | 4 | 4 | 62 | 23 | 39 | 58 |
| 4 | Aston Villa | 26 | 16 | 4 | 6 | 56 | 35 | 21 | 52 |
| 5 | Tottenham Hotspur | 25 | 14 | 5 | 6 | 52 | 38 | 14 | 47 |
| 6 | Manchester United | 26 | 14 | 2 | 10 | 36 | 36 | 0 | 44 |
| 7 | Brighton | 26 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 49 | 41 | 8 | 39 |
| 8 | West Ham United | 26 | 11 | 6 | 9 | 40 | 46 | -6 | 39 |
| 9 | Wolves | 26 | 11 | 5 | 10 | 40 | 40 | 0 | 38 |
| 10 | Newcastle United | 26 | 11 | 4 | 11 | 54 | 45 | 9 | 37 |
| 11 | Chelsea | 25 | 10 | 5 | 10 | 42 | 41 | 1 | 35 |
| 12 | Fulham | 26 | 9 | 5 | 12 | 36 | 42 | -6 | 32 |
| 13 | Crystal Palace | 26 | 7 | 7 | 12 | 31 | 44 | -13 | 28 |
| 14 | Bournemouth | 25 | 7 | 7 | 11 | 33 | 47 | -14 | 28 |
| 15 | Everton | 26 | 8 | 7 | 11 | 28 | 34 | -6 | 25 |
| 16 | Brentford | 26 | 7 | 4 | 15 | 37 | 48 | -11 | 25 |
| 17 | Nottingham Forest | 26 | 6 | 6 | 14 | 34 | 48 | -14 | 24 |
| 18 | Luton Town | 25 | 5 | 5 | 15 | 35 | 51 | -16 | 20 |
| 19 | Burnley | 26 | 3 | 4 | 19 | 25 | 58 | -33 | 13 |
| 20 | Sheffield United | 26 | 3 | 4 | 19 | 22 | 66 | -44 | 13 |
Also Read:Premier League Top Scorer: Latest Golden Boot Standings After Gameweek 26