The race for the Premier League trophy has taken an intense turn following Manchester City’s 2-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, January 24, 2026. The win not only snaps City’s recent winless streak but also places massive pressure on league leaders Arsenal ahead of their crucial match on Sunday.
Marmoush and Semenyo Shine in Haaland’s Absence
Pep Guardiola’s tactical gamble to bench Erling Haaland paid off early at the Etihad Stadium. Egyptian star Omar Marmoush, starting in place of the Norwegian, needed only six minutes to break the deadlock with a clinical diving header following a pinpoint cross from Matheus Nunes.
City continued to dominate the first half, and shortly before the whistle, January signing Antoine Semenyo doubled the lead. The Ghanaian striker finished a low effort into the bottom corner after a clever link-up between Bernardo Silva and Rayan Cherki. While Wolves struck the crossbar in the second half, City held firm to secure all three points.
Premier League Standings
Following the Saturday fixtures, the battle at the top of the table has significantly tightened:
| Position | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arsenal | 50 |
| 2 | Manchester City | 46 |
| 3 | Aston Villa | 43 |
| 4 | Liverpool | 36 |
| 5 | Manchester United | 35 |
| 6 | Chelsea | 34 |
| 7 | Fulham | 34 |
| 8 | Brentford | 33 |
| 9 | Newcastle United | 33 |
| 10 | Sunderland | 33 |
| 11 | Everton | 32 |
| 12 | Brighton | 30 |
| 13 | Tottenham | 28 |
| 14 | Crystal Palace | 28 |
| 15 | Bournemouth | 27 |
| 16 | Leeds | 25 |
| 17 | Nottingham Forest | 22 |
| 18 | West Ham | 20 |
| 19 | Burnley | 15 |
| 20 | Wolverhampton | 8 |
All Eyes on the Emirates: Arsenal vs. Man United
With the gap at the top narrowed to four points, Manchester City fans will be watching closely as Arsenal hosts Manchester United tomorrow, Sunday, January 25.
- Arsenal’s Challenge: Mikel Arteta’s side is unbeaten at home this season but has drawn their last two league games. A win is essential to restore their seven-point cushion.
- Carrick’s United: Under interim manager Michael Carrick, Manchester United is coming off a massive 2-0 derby win over City last weekend and could jump into the top four with a victory tomorrow.
Do you think Manchester United can pull off another upset and help their rivals City by taking points off Arsenal tomorrow?
