Arsenal strengthened their hold on the Premier League title race as Manchester City faltered, drawing 1-1 with a managerless Chelsea.

Declan Rice struck twice in Arsenal’s 3-2 victory over Bournemouth, extending the Gunners’ lead at the top of the table to six points.

At the other end of the table, West Ham’s survival hopes suffered a severe blow in a 3-0 defeat to Wolves, a team that had yet to claim a win in their opening 19 games of the season.

AFP Sports highlights three talking points from the weekend’s action:

World-class Rice drives Arsenal forward

Rice had been a major doubt for Arsenal’s trip to the south coast after missing their midweek demolition of Aston Villa due to knee swelling. However, the England international recovered in time to start—and made an instant impact, scoring twice in a Premier League game for the first time.

Mikel Arteta hailed the 26-year-old as one of the world’s top midfielders, praising his versatility and ongoing improvement.

“He’s constantly adding things to his role in the team,” said the Spaniard.
“I don’t see where he can stop because he can still improve in a lot of areas and he wants to improve. He’s such a pivotal player for us.”

After finishing second in the league for the past three seasons, Arteta’s side is now closing in on ending a 22-year wait to lift the Premier League trophy.

City’s charge starts to fade

Manchester City, winners of eight consecutive games before the weekend, drew 1-1 against Chelsea after a 0-0 stalemate at Sunderland on January 1.

Pep Guardiola’s title chase has stalled over four damaging days, compounded by injuries to centre-backs Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias, leaving City with limited defensive options.

“Of course I have concerns. Have you seen the bench today? It’s three players from the academy and now we will have more,” Guardiola said.
“We don’t have players. That is the truth.”

Guardiola’s decade-long habit of squad rotation to maintain freshness has been tested this season. Early-season setbacks required a consistent selection approach, but City now appear stretched in the middle of a grueling winter schedule, with just two of nine January fixtures played and trips to Tottenham and Liverpool looming.

West Ham in freefall

Nuno Espirito Santo faces mounting pressure after West Ham’s heavy defeat against Wolves. First-half goals from Jhon Arias, Hwang Hee-chan, and Mateus Mane left the Hammers four points adrift of safety in 18th place.

Nuno, who also had a brief stint with Nottingham Forest this season, called the loss the worst of his career.

“I apologise to the fans. It was embarrassing,” he said.
“I don’t recall one day that I felt so bad on a football pitch.”

Appointed in September following Graham Potter’s short-lived tenure, Nuno is acutely aware that speculation over his future is intensifying.
“It’s not about my future, it’s about how can we get out of this situation, how can we improve and get the results that make us climb the table,” he added.