Manchester City and Arsenal played out a 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday in the Premier League.
The result benefited Liverpool as they opened up a five-point lead at the top following their 2-1 win against Everton in the Merseyside derby.
Elsewhere, Manchester United secured a much-needed victory against Chelsea, while Crystal Palace condemned London rivals West Ham United to a 2-1 defeat.
Here are the five major talking points from the weekend’s top-flight action.
Martinelli shows his class once again
Gabriel Martinelli enjoyed an excellent week as he put in two brilliant displays off the bench for Arsenal against Athletic Club and Manchester City.
The Brazilian scored just 36 seconds after being introduced against Ernesto Valverde’s side in midweek, and then set up Leandro Trossard for another goal as the Gunners sealed a 2-0 win.
With Arsenal trailing 1-0 against City on Sunday, Mikel Arteta once again turned to Martinelli and the 24-year repaid the faith by grabbing a 93rd-minute equaliser to salvage a draw for the hosts.
Potter’s position under serious threat
Graham Potter had the opportunity to relieve some pressure off him by guiding West Ham to a positive result against Crystal Palace in Saturday’s home fixture.
But the Hammers lost in front of their home crowd, with Tyrick Mitchell grabbing the winner after Jarrod Bowen canceled out the advantage of Jean-Philippe Mateta’s first half goal.
The board, who are already under pressure after thousands protested against how the club is run, could decide to pull the plug on Potter sooner rather than later, as they have already started identifying potential replacements.
Crucial win for Amorim
Ruben Amorim’s future at Manchester United has been a subject of speculation following the club’s poor start to the season.
Losing Saturday’s home fixture against Chelsea would have brought further scrutiny on Amorim, but the Portuguese earned some respite by leading his team to a 2-1 triumph.
United’s performance was not entirely convincing, but Amorim will be happy to take maximum points against a top-six team that were unbeaten in the top-flight before the Old Trafford encounter.
Disappointing week for Newcastle
Newcastle United lost 2-1 to Barcelona in midweek at St James’ Park following a second-half brace from Marcus Rashford.
Eddie Howe made seven changes to that team for Sunday’s away clash with Bournemouth, but they could secure only a point after playing out a goalless draw at the Vitality Stadium.
Given their spending spree in the summer, it has been a disappointing start from Newcastle, who have won just one of their five Premier League matches.
Pressure mounting on Emery
Unai Emery has enjoyed an impressive spell at Aston Villa, but things have not gone well for the Spaniard this season.
Emery’s men failed to beat 10-man Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Sunday, with the Midlands outfit still searching for their first Premier League victory.
The pressure will likely mount on the former Arsenal boss if Villa fail to perform well in their next two home games against Bologna and Fulham.
