Another decisive Premier League weekend has come and gone, and Matchweek 25 may prove to be one of the most important of the season so far. Manchester City showed their title-winning mentality once again, Arsenal kept the pressure on, and Manchester United quietly continued their resurgence.
Here are five key takeaways from the weekend’s action.
1. Manchester City are still very much in the title race
Man City were far from their fluent best at Anfield, yet they left with the result that mattered most. For long periods, Liverpool looked the sharper side, pressing aggressively and forcing mistakes, but City never panicked.
Bernardo Silva’s influence grew as the game wore on, and Erling Haaland delivered once again when it mattered most. Even after being outplayed for spells, City stayed alive, waited for Liverpool’s errors and punished them ruthlessly. It was a familiar pattern from a team that has built its success on resilience as much as brilliance.
The late turnaround kept City within touching distance of Arsenal and sent a clear message: the title race is not over. Pep Guardiola’s side might not dominate every opponent anymore, but their belief in decisive moments remains unmatched.
Title race back on?! ? pic.twitter.com/gAg9slNnlY
— Bet9ja: The home of #betBOOM! ? (@Bet9jaOfficial) February 9, 2026
2. Arsenal are quietly doing everything right
Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Sunderland may not have grabbed the biggest headlines, but it was another example of a team in control of its destiny. Mikel Arteta’s side were patient, disciplined and ruthless when openings appeared, showing the maturity required to win games without drama.
Viktor Gyokeres continued his strong run of form, underlining why Arsenal invested in him, while the overall structure of the team looked balanced and confident. With City chasing and Villa faltering, Arsenal are responding to pressure in the best possible way: by winning comfortably.
This was not a flashy performance, but it was the kind that champions need to deliver regularly.
3. Manchester United’s resurgence is becoming a real storyline
Manchester United’s 2-0 win over Tottenham marked their fourth consecutive league victory, and suddenly the conversation around the club has shifted. Confidence is returning, the defence looks organised, and attacking patterns are beginning to take shape.
Bryan Mbeumo’s opener was the product of a rehearsed routine that finally came together at the right moment, and United never looked back. More importantly, they controlled the game – something that has often been missing this season.
The United fan who vowed not to cut his hair until the club won five games in a row is now just one victory away from finally visiting the barber!
Day 492 of not cutting my hair until @manutd win 5 games in a row! ??
— TheUnitedStrand (@TheUnitedStrand) February 9, 2026
Current Streak – 4/5#manunited #hairgrowth #mufc #hairchallenge #carrick pic.twitter.com/EjNsATa12u
4. Liverpool are being punished for familiar mistakes
Liverpool’s defeat to Manchester City was damaging not just because of the result, but because of how it happened. Individual errors, moments of indiscipline and rushed decision-making once again undermined an otherwise promising performance.
Arne Slot’s side showed energy and intent, but lapses at key moments proved costly. As the season reaches its critical phase, Liverpool’s margin for error is shrinking rapidly, and nights like this could define their campaign.
With rivals finding form and consistency, Liverpool cannot afford to keep gifting opportunities away – especially against direct competitors.
5. Newcastle’s chaos is catching up with them
Newcastle have thrived on emotion and intensity under Eddie Howe, but that same chaos is starting to work against them. Against Brentford, they were dragged into another frantic game and never truly took control.
Brentford were happy to let the match become stretched, picking their moments and punishing Newcastle when spaces opened up. While the Magpies still carry attacking threat, their lack of composure in midfield and defensive structure was exposed once again.
With fixture congestion piling up and defeats mounting, Newcastle now look like a side running on energy rather than control. Chaos can win games, but without balance, it can just as easily undo a season.
