There were a couple of twists and turns in the English Premier League on Saturday as teams intensified their search for match points in the top flight.
Getting off to an early start, Arsenal did well enough to return to the top of the table after fighting to a 4-2 win over Aston Villa.
While many tipped Manchester City to topple Arsenal again, they failed to get maximum points against the resurgent Nottingham Forest outfit at the City Ground.
At Stamford Bridge, the nightmare run continued for Graham Potter and his star-studded team as chelsea lost 1-0 to bottom side Southampton.
Onuachu enjoys victory over Chelsea
Although he has yet to score goals for the Saints, Nigerian striker Paul Onuachu was actively involved as Southampton secured a famous one-goal win over the Blues.
Saturday’s disappointing defeat for Chelsea comes just three days after Graham Potter and his star-studded team were beaten in the Champions League by Borussia Dortmund.
The Saints made sure to capitalize on Chelsea’s poor form, as James Ward-Prowse’s free-kick on the cusp of the first half earned them maximum points at Stamford Bridge.
This is Southampton’s first win since January. And for Chelsea, they only have one win in their last 10 games.
Arteta beats Emery in Villa park
At the kick-off of the day, Unai Emery suffered a defeat at the hands of his former club, Arsenal, at Villa Park.
The Gunners, who suffered a heavy defeat to Man City earlier in the week, bounced back from their jitters to defeat Villa 4-2 in a rollercoaster game that saw them come from behind twice.
An Ollie Watkins goal in the fifth minute was canceled out by a Bukayo Saka volley in the 16th minute. But before the break, Philippe Coutinho put the hosts ahead.
Meanwhile, Zinchenko’s EPL debut goal equalized for the Gunners while Jorginho’s outside kick forced Martínez into an own goal before Gabriel Martinelli sealed the comeback; All in the second half.
man city celebrated
At the City Ground Stadium, Nottingham forced Manchester City to a 1-1 draw to stop Pep Guardiola’s side’s chance to retain top position in the league.
Steve Cooper’s team, despite its inconsistencies in the league, can boast of being the giant killer this season.
Towards the end of the first half, Bernardo Silva gave the Cityzens a lead with a shot off Jack Grealish’s pass.
However, the visitors were punished for their waste when Chris Wood leveled the score on 84 minutes.
Other games
Elsewhere at Goodison Park, Sean Dyche continued to help Everton out of the relegation waters with another home win over Leeds United.
Super Eagles player Alex Iwobi was instrumental in Seamus Coleman’s only goal for the Toffees.
ALSO READ: AFCON 2023 qualifiers: CAF explains Super Eagles draw procedure
In the London derby between Crystal Palace and Brentford, it ended in a 1–1 draw as the Bees continued their unbeaten run in the league.
Palace scored first from Eberechi Eze in the 69th minute before Vitaly Janelt restored equalization in the 96th minute