Manchester City kept their Premier League title hopes alive with a dramatic late turnaround for a rare win at Liverpool on Sunday, keeping leaders Arsenal within six points.

The defeat dealt another blow to Liverpool’s Champions League aspirations, while Manchester United, revitalised under Michael Carrick, continued to close the gap on the top four. Meanwhile, Newcastle’s top-five ambitions suffered a heavy setback as a 3-2 home loss to Brentford compounded a difficult week for Eddie Howe’s side.

AFP Sport highlights three key talking points from the weekend:

Man City break Anfield hoodoo
City captain Bernardo Silva admitted the title race could have been over had they lost at Anfield. Facing the prospect of another away defeat, Silva sparked a frantic finale, capped by his equaliser six minutes from time and a stoppage-time penalty from Erling Haaland. The victory marked City’s first win at Anfield in front of fans since 2003.

Pep Guardiola, whose only previous Anfield win came during the closed-door COVID era, said: “All we can do is be brave. Be in the neck of Arsenal and, if they slip up, use it.”

Arsenal, who had beaten Sunderland 3-0 on Saturday, remain strong favourites for their first league title in 22 years. City can now apply added pressure, with a home clash against Fulham on Wednesday, just a day before Arsenal visit in-form Brentford.

Carrick making an instant impact at United
Manchester United have seen a notable resurgence under Carrick, who has won four consecutive matches since taking charge last month. That run includes a 2-0 victory over Tottenham at Old Trafford, their first win against Spurs in nine attempts.

Bruno Fernandes praised Carrick’s approach: “He came in with the right ideas, giving the players responsibility and freedom on the pitch. He knows what it means for this club to win. It adds something special to the team.”

The former Middlesbrough boss is building on lessons from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s tenure, instantly transforming United’s fortunes and injecting belief into the squad.

Newcastle face harsh reality under Howe
Eddie Howe faces mounting challenges as Newcastle slide through a run of just one win in eight games. A 3-2 defeat to Brentford, coupled with setbacks in the League Cup and the Champions League, has left the Magpies in 12th place and off the pace for top-four ambitions.

Howe reflected: “There’s a harsh reality for me. I’ve got to work better, do more, take full responsibility for what you see on the pitch, and work out solutions.”

Despite backing from the Saudi sovereign wealth fund, Newcastle have faced financial sustainability rules that have restricted their ability to strengthen the squad, frustrating Howe. He has guided the club to Champions League football twice and secured their first domestic trophy in 70 years, but will be keen to avoid a poor end to the season as he eyes future opportunities, including a possible role as England manager.

The weekend left City with renewed momentum, United building confidence under Carrick, and Newcastle confronting a challenging period to salvage their season.