The battle for the Premier League title took a break this weekend, as Arsenal and Manchester City played the EFL Cup final and did not play their league matches this weekend. The rest of the English league teams did play their Matchday 31 fixtures, which produced results that could shape what happens in the coming weeks.

The round began on Friday with a 2-2 draw between Bournemouth and Manchester United, leaving Iraola’s side mid-table but still in contention for European places, whilst the Red Devils remained firmly in Champions League positions. The point was a welcome result for Carrick’s side, as Liverpool and Chelsea both lost on Saturday in their away matches against Brighton and Everton, respectively.

In Saturday’s other two matches, Fulham secured three crucial points at home against Burnley, bringing them closer to European qualification, whilst Leeds United and Brentford played out a goalless draw to pick up a point that brings them closer to their respective goals: survival for the Elland Road side and European competition for the London outfit.

Premier League Matchday 31 results

• Bournemouth 2-2 Manchester United
• Brighton 2-1 Liverpool
• Fulham 3-1 Burnley
• Everton 3-0 Chelsea
• Leeds United 0-0 Brentford
• Newcastle 1-2 Sunderland
• Tottenham 0-3 Nottingham Forest
• Aston Villa 2-0 West Ham

The derby goes to Sunderland; Tottenham’s slide continues

Sunday’s fixtures kicked off with the Tyne-Wear derby, which saw Newcastle take on Sunderland at St James’ Park. Just as in the first half of the season, the Magpies came out on top in one of the Premier League’s most heated clashes. Furthermore, with this victory away at their eternal rivals, Sunderland have overtaken Newcastle in the table and kept their European dream alive.

In the direct battle for survival, Tottenham continued their freefall after suffering a heavy home defeat to Nottingham Forest, who have now overtaken them in the table. The London side cannot seem to get back on their feet and remain just one point clear of the relegation zone, currently occupied by West Ham.

The ‘Hammers’, incidentally, rounded off the round of fixtures with a visit to Aston Villa in a match with Champions League places and survival at stake. Unai Emery’s side showed that they are in the top half of the table for a reason, and the three points stayed in Birmingham. That defeat has left West Ham still in the relegation zone. There are seven nail-biting matchdays remaining in the battle for survival in the Premier League.

Premier League table after matchday 31

1. Arsenal 70 points +39
2. Manchester City 61 points +32 (one game in hand)
3. Manchester United 55 points +13
4. Aston Villa 54 points +5
5. Liverpool 49 points +8
6. Chelsea 48 points +15
7. Brentford 46 points +4
8. Everton 46 points +2
9. Fulham 44 points -1
10. Brighton 43 points 4
11. Sunderland 43 points -4
12. Newcastle 42 points -1
13. Bournemouth 42 points -2
14. Crystal Palace 39 points -2 (one game in hand)
15. Leeds United 33 points -11
16. Nottingham Forest 32 points -12
17. Tottenham 30 points -10
18. West Ham 39 points -21
19. Burnley 20 points -28
20. Wolves 17 points -30