Everton Leapfrog Arsenal in Race for Champions League Spot as FA Cup Distraction Takes Its Toll
Arsenal’s absence from Premier League action this weekend has cost them dearly in the race for a top-four finish. While the Gunners focused on their FA Cup semi-final at Wembley, rivals Everton seized the moment, clinching a vital 1-0 away win at Sunderland to leap into fourth place.
Roberto Martínez’s side, powered by Romelu Lukaku’s decisive strike, continued their impressive late-season form. The Toffees’ victory at the Stadium of Light not only boosted their Champions League hopes but also deepened Sunderland’s relegation woes. Gus Poyet’s side now find themselves rooted to the bottom of the table with time rapidly running out.
Arsenal, meanwhile, have slipped to fifth and are now playing catch-up in the top-four race, with pressure mounting on Arsène Wenger to salvage a faltering campaign.
Elsewhere, Cardiff City secured a lifeline in their own relegation battle, edging Southampton 1-0 at St. Mary’s thanks to a resolute defensive display. The result lifts the Bluebirds’ hopes of survival as they continue their fight at the bottom.
Fulham also claimed a crucial win in their survival bid, defeating Norwich City 1-0 at Craven Cottage. The result drags Norwich closer to the drop zone and gives Fulham momentum in the final stretch of the season.
Crystal Palace continued their surge under manager Tony Pulis, narrowly beating a faltering Aston Villa side 1-0 at Selhurst Park. Palace’s steady form has pulled them away from the relegation scrap, while Villa remain in danger with a string of poor results piling pressure on Paul Lambert.
At the Britannia Stadium, Stoke City continued their impressive home form with a 1-0 win over an uninspired Newcastle United. The Magpies’ season continues to fizzle out, while Mark Hughes’ men inch further into the top half of the table.
Saturday’s Premier League Results:
West Bromwich Albion 3–3 Tottenham Hotspur
Fulham 1–0 Norwich City
Crystal Palace 1–0 Aston Villa
Sunderland 0–1 Everton
Stoke City 1–0 Newcastle United
Southampton 0–1 Cardiff City
With just a few matches left in the season, the battles at both ends of the Premier League table are heating up. Arsenal must now shift their focus quickly back to league matters if they are to reclaim their place among Europe’s elite.
