Sun Feb 16 08:12:09 UTC 2025: ## Arsenal Closes Gap on Liverpool, Manchester City Cruises to Victory in Thrilling Premier League Weekend

**London, February 16, 2025** – A dramatic weekend in the English Premier League saw Arsenal narrow the gap on leaders Liverpool, while Manchester City secured a resounding victory despite a potential injury concern.

Mikel Merino’s late brace propelled Arsenal to a 2-0 win over Leicester City, extending their unbeaten run to 15 games. The win comes despite a significant injury crisis, with Arteta deploying Merino as a makeshift striker to great effect. His two goals in the final nine minutes put Arsenal just four points behind Liverpool, who face Wolves on Sunday. A Liverpool win would extend their lead back to seven points.

Meanwhile, Manchester City demolished Newcastle United 4-0, thanks to Omar Marmoush’s stunning hat-trick. The Egyptian forward’s treble, his first for the club since his January transfer, came within a 14-minute span. James McAtee added a late goal to complete the rout. However, City ended the match with a potential injury scare, as Erling Haaland was substituted late with a possible knee problem. This win comes after a 3-2 loss to Real Madrid in the Champions League, leaving City needing a victory in the second leg to avoid elimination.

Elsewhere, Nottingham Forest lost 2-1 to Fulham, Bournemouth beat Southampton 3-1 to strengthen their Champions League hopes, and Ipswich fought to a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa despite being reduced to ten men. Brentford secured a 1-0 win against West Ham thanks to Kevin Schade’s early goal. Newcastle, who lost to City, remain three points outside the top four.

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