Premier League Matchday 15: Arsenal, Man City strengthen title bids

The mid-December fixtures have turned up the heat on the Premier League title race, delivering a weekend where the “marginal gains” and “bizarre moments” proved more decisive than tactical masterclasses. As the winter frost begins to settle, the competition at the top is reaching a boiling point, with the three main contenders all showing they can win—even when they aren’t at their sparkling best.

While the league leaders survived a major scare in a game defined by defensive mishaps, the chasing pack kept the pressure at an all-time high with professional, clinical displays on the road. Further down the table, a local derby settled by the narrowest of margins and a stunning upset at the City Ground proved that no fixture is a “gimme” during the holiday congestion. From eight-goal thrillers to stoppage-time heartbreak, Matchday 16 ensured that the gap between the summit and the chasing pack remains razor-thin heading into the final fixtures of the year.

Here’s what you missed on Matchday 15:

Arsenal 2 – 1 Wolverhampton Wanderers

Arsenal snatched a dramatic victory at the Emirates Stadium. The goals were chaotic: Sam Johnstone scored an own goal (70′) from a corner to put Arsenal ahead, but Tolu Arokodare equalized for Wolves (90′). However, in a cruel twist for Wolves, Yerson Mosquera headed a cross into his own net (90+4′) to secure a crucial, though fortunate, win for the league leaders.

Manchester United 4 – 4 AFC Bournemouth

An extraordinary eight-goal thriller at Old Trafford ended in a thrilling draw. United scored through Amad Diallo (13′), Casemiro (45′), Bruno Fernandes (77′), and Matheus Cunha (79′), but Bournemouth continually fought back with goals from Antoine Semenyo (40′), Evanilson (46′), Marcus Tavernier (52′), and a late equalizer from Eli Junior Kroupi (84′).

Bruno Fernandes has nine G/A in his last nine Premier League games.

He picks up his seventh assist of the season—no PL player has more 🎁 pic.twitter.com/hrYBiEu4Sv

— B/R Football (@brfootball) December 15, 2025

Crystal Palace 0 – 3 Manchester City

Manchester City secured a dominant victory to keep the pressure on Arsenal. Erling Haaland opened the scoring with a powerful header (41′) and capped the win with a late penalty (88′). Phil Foden added the second (69′) with a powerful 20-yard strike, helping City close the gap at the top.

Chelsea 2 – 0 Everton

Chelsea secured a professional home victory at Stamford Bridge. Cole Palmer (21′) scored his first Premier League goal in several months, and Malo Gusto (45+1′) doubled the lead just before the break, helping the Blues maintain their comfortable position in the top four.

Liverpool 2 – 0 Brighton & Hove Albion

Liverpool returned to winning ways at Anfield. Hugo Ekitike was the hero, scoring an early goal (1′) and adding a second just after the hour mark (60′). The comfortable victory provided a much-needed clean sheet and stability for the Reds.

West Ham United 2 – 3 Aston Villa

Aston Villa secured a dramatic comeback victory at the London Stadium. After West Ham took an early 2-0 lead, Villa rallied. Ollie Watkins scored (9′), and Morgan Rogers was the difference-maker, scoring the equalizer (51′) and the 80th-minute winner to keep Villa firmly in the title picture.

Sunderland 1 – 0 Newcastle United

Sunderland won the fiercely contested Tyne-Wear derby at the Stadium of Light. The only goal of the game was an unfortunate own goal by Newcastle defender Nick Woltemade (67′) after a corner. The result secured huge bragging rights and a vital three points for the Black Cats.

Nottingham Forest 3 – 0 Tottenham Hotspur

Forest secured a huge upset victory at the City Ground. Goals from Callum Hudson-Odoi (29′, 50′) and Ibrahim Sangare (79′) resulted in a surprisingly comfortable win that dealt a major blow to Tottenham’s top-four aspirations.

Burnley 2 – 3 Fulham

Fulham edged a chaotic relegation-zone thriller at Turf Moor. Goals from Emile Smith Rowe (9′) and Calvin Bassey (31′) put Fulham ahead. Though Leopold Ugochukwu (21′) and Oscar Sonne (86′) scored for Burnley, Harry Wilson (58′) netted the winner for Fulham in a crucial victory that pushed Burnley closer to the bottom.

Brentford 1 – 1 Leeds United

The points were shared in a tightly contested affair at the Gtech Community Stadium. Jordan Henderson put Brentford ahead (71′), but Dominic Calvert-Lewin equalized for Leeds (83′) to earn a vital point in their fight for survival.

The league table as of Dec 16:

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