EPL 2024-25: Matchweek 26 Recap

The Premier League title race took another dramatic turn this weekend as Liverpool cemented their grip on top spot with a statement win over Manchester City, while Arsenal’s title hopes took a major blow after a shocking home defeat to West Ham. Nottingham Forest slipped up in a chaotic thriller at Newcastle, allowing City to stay within reach of the top three.

Further down the table, Chelsea’s struggles deepened with another costly loss, while Brentford and Crystal Palace continue to rise, and Everton showed more resilience under David Moyes. Meanwhile, Leicester and Southampton remain in free fall, with relegation now looking inevitable for the Saints.

Matchweek 27 brings another set of pivotal clashes. City travel to Spurs needing a response, Arsenal face a crucial test at Forest, and Liverpool host Newcastle as they look to pull further clear. Meanwhile, Chelsea have a must-win fixture against bottom-placed Southampton, and Manchester United face Ipswich in a game they simply cannot afford to drop points in. As always, before we dive into the upcoming matchweek, which comes with a short turnaround, let’s break down all the key action from Matchweek 26.

Leicester City 0-4 Brentford

Brentford continued their push for European football with a dominant 4-0 win over a helpless Leicester side. A blistering first-half performance saw the Bees net three goals in 15 minutes, with Yoane Wissa, Bryan Mbeumo, and Christian Norgaard all getting on the scoresheet. Fabio Carvalho added a fourth late on, capping off a Leicester collapse that saw them concede twice from set pieces and extend their scoreless home run to six matches. With confidence at an all-time low, the Foxes remain in serious danger of relegation.

Everton 2-2 Manchester United

Manchester United salvaged a point at Goodison Park, but it was another unconvincing display. Everton raced to a 2-0 lead through Beto and Abdoulaye Doucoure, only for United to respond late. Bruno Fernandes’ stunning free-kick ignited the comeback before Manuel Ugarte’s volley secured a draw. The Toffees thought they had a stoppage-time penalty after a controversial VAR check, but the decision went against them. Everton continue to show resilience under David Moyes, while United’s struggles persist as they sit a shocking 15th in the table.

AFC Bournemouth 0-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers

A 31st minute red card for Illia Zabarnyi left Bournemouth with an uphill battle, and Wolves capitalized through Matheus Cunha’s first-half counter-attack finish. Despite their numerical advantage, Wolves were wasteful in front of goal, missing several big chances, including a one-on-one opportunity for Pablo Sarabia. Bournemouth, meanwhile, lacked attacking threat and missed an opportunity to move into the top four.

Arsenal 0-1 West Ham United

Arsenal’s title challenge took a serious hit with a shock home defeat to West Ham. Jarrod Bowen’s well-placed header from a Aaron Wan-Bissaka cross proved decisive as the Hammers defended resolutely. Arsenal’s inefficiency in the final third proved costly, managing just two shots on target from 20 attempts. Their frustrations boiled over when Myles Lewis-Skelly saw red late on, leaving Mikel Arteta’s side seven points behind Liverpool in a crucial moment of the season.

Fulham 0-2 Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace’s impressive away form continued with a well-drilled performance at Craven Cottage. A Joachim Andersen own goal gave Palace the lead before Daniel Munoz finished off a counterattack to seal the win. Fulham failed to register a single shot on target, struggling to break down Palace’s compact defensive setup.

Ipswich Town 1-4 Tottenham Hotspur

Spurs extended their Premier League winning streak to three matches with a clinical display at Portman Road. Brennan Johnson struck twice in the first half, assisted by Heung-min Son, before Omari Hutchinson pulled one back for Ipswich. However, Djed Spence and Dejan Kulusevski wrapped up the victory in the second half. Spurs are finally finding consistency, and this win keeps them in the race for a European spot.

Southampton 0-4 Brighton & Hove Albion

Southampton’s miserable campaign continued with another heavy defeat, this time against a rampant Brighton side. Joao Pedro, Georginio Rutter, Kaoru Mitoma, and Jack Hinshelwood all found the net as the Seagulls created chances worth nearly 4.0 xG, while Southampton mustered just 0.13 xG in a truly one-sided affair. Brighton looked back to their best, while Southampton are staring at relegation barring a miracle.

Aston Villa 2-1 Chelsea

Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio inspired Villa to a comeback win over Chelsea. Enzo Fernandez opened the scoring early, but Villa grew into the game and found an equalizer through Asensio’s well-placed finish after Rashford’s cutback. The duo combined again in the 89th minute, with Asensio’s strike slipping past Filip Jorgensen to complete the turnaround. Chelsea’s top-four hopes are fading fast with another costly defeat.

Newcastle United 4-3 Nottingham Forest

A chaotic thriller at St. James’ Park saw Newcastle claim a vital three points. Callum Hudson-Odoi put Forest ahead early, but Newcastle responded with four goals in 11 minutes, including an Alexander Isak brace. Nikola Milenkovic and Ryan Yates struck late to give Forest hope, but Newcastle held on for a crucial win that keeps them in the top-four conversation.

Manchester City 0-2 Liverpool

Liverpool tightened their grip on the title race with a statement win at the Etihad. Mohamed Salah starred, scoring one and assisting another for Dominik Szoboszlai. City struggled to break down Liverpool’s strong defense, with Erling Haaland’s absence leaving them toothless in attack. Omar Marmoush thought he had pulled one back, but his goal was ruled out for offside after a lengthy VAR review. The Reds extended their lead at the top to 11 points, dealing City’s title hopes a major blow.

EPL 2024-25: Matchweek 27 Preview

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2025

Brighton & Hove Albion vs. AFC Bournemouth – 2:30 PM

Brighton dominated Southampton in a 4-0 rout and will look to keep their momentum going against a Bournemouth side that suffered a frustrating 1-0 home loss to Wolves. Kaoru Mitoma and Joao Pedro were outstanding last time out, leading a relentless attacking display, while Bournemouth struggled to create chances after going down to 10 men. With both teams pushing for a European place, this is a crucial battle.

Prediction: Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 AFC Bournemouth

Crystal Palace vs. Aston Villa – 2:30 PM

Crystal Palace’s well-structured defensive setup helped them to a 2-0 win at Fulham, while Aston Villa secured a massive 2-1 comeback win over Chelsea. Jean-Philippe Mateta continues to be Palace’s key figure in attack, while new additions Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio delivered for Villa. Separated by nine points, this matchup is crucial for both sides’ European ambitions.

Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-1 Aston Villa

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Fulham – 2:30 PM

Wolves edged past Bournemouth with a narrow 1-0 win, showing the defensive resilience that’s been missing for much of the season. Meanwhile, Fulham were poor in a 2-0 home defeat to Palace, failing to register a single shot on target. With both teams struggling for consistency, Wolves’ home advantage could be the difference in their climb.

Prediction: Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 Fulham

Chelsea vs. Southampton – 3:15 PM

Chelsea’s top-four hopes took another major blow after their 2-1 loss at Villa Park, and they now desperately need a response against a rock-bottom Southampton side that was torn apart 4-0 by Brighton. The Blues’ attack continues to misfire, but anything less than three points here would be a disaster.

Prediction: Chelsea 3-0 Southampton

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2025

Brentford vs. Everton – 2:30 PM

Brentford demolished Leicester 4-0, delivering one of their most clinical performances of the season, while Everton let a 2-0 lead slip against Manchester United in a frustrating 2-2 draw. Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo were in top form for the Bees, while Everton have shown clear improvement under David Moyes but remain vulnerable defensively.

Prediction: Brentford 2-2 Everton

Manchester United vs. Ipswich Town – 2:30 PM

Manchester United’s season continues to spiral, but they salvaged a 2-2 draw at Everton despite another uninspiring performance. Now sitting 15th in the table, they face an Ipswich side that was routed 4-1 by Spurs. United have struggled all season against relegation-threatened sides, but this is a must-win if they want to salvage anything from this miserable campaign.

Prediction: Manchester United 2-0 Ipswich Town

Nottingham Forest vs. Arsenal – 2:30 PM

Forest will still be reeling from their chaotic 4-3 loss at Newcastle, while Arsenal suffered a shocking 1-0 home defeat to West Ham—a result that seriously damaged their title bid. The Gunners cannot afford another setback, but Forest’s home form has been strong all season. I expect a tense, high-intensity battle with plenty on the line.

Prediction: Nottingham Forest 2-2 Arsenal

Tottenham Hotspur vs. Manchester City – 2:30 PM

City’s title challenge took a major hit after their 2-0 defeat to Liverpool, while Spurs comfortably beat Ipswich 4-1. Pep Guardiola’s side must respond, and while Spurs have looked better in recent weeks, their defensive issues remain a concern. City have to win this to keep their fading title hopes alive.

Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Manchester City

Liverpool vs. Newcastle United – 3:15 PM

Liverpool took full control of the title race with their statement 2-0 win over City, and they now look to extend their lead against Newcastle, who edged past Forest 4-3 in a thriller. The Magpies continue to leak goals, and against a ruthless Liverpool side, they’ll need to be at their absolute best to get anything from this game.

Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Newcastle United

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2025

West Ham United vs. Leicester City – 3:00 PM

West Ham stunned Arsenal 1-0 at the Emirates, delivering one of their most disciplined performances of the season. Meanwhile, Leicester’s 4-0 home defeat to Brentford has left them on the brink of total collapse. The Hammers will look to build on their momentum, while Leicester desperately need a response to avoid being completely cut adrift in the relegation battle.

Prediction: West Ham United 2-0 Leicester City