Three talking points from the English Premier League weekend

LONDON – Virgil van Dijk’s late winner against West Ham United took Liverpool to the brink of the English Premier League title, while Manchester City needed a Kevin de Bruyne masterclass to keep their quest for Champions League football on track.

A much-changed Arsenal were held 1-1 by Brentford to gift Liverpool more breathing space at the top of the table, but the Reds were far from convincing themselves in beating the lowly Hammers 2-1.

City responded from a slow start to beat Crystal Palace 5-2 and move into the top five.

Nottingham Forest’s Champions League dream is in danger of unravelling after a 1-0 home loss to Everton, while Chelsea were held 2-2 by Ipswich Town to ramp up the pressure on manager Enzo Maresca.

Here is a look at three talking points from the Premier League weekend.

1 De Bruyne shows what City will miss

At 2-0 down to Crystal Palace after just 20 minutes at the Etihad Stadium, City looked in real danger of missing out on the Champions League for the first time in 15 years.

But Pep Guardiola’s men were rescued by a familiar figure as de Bruyne rolled back the years in his first home appearance since announcing he will leave the club at the end of the season.

The Belgian’s free kick started the City fightback before he teed up Omar Marmoush and Mateo Kovacic to turn the game around either side of half-time.

“I’m a competitive animal. I don’t like to lose, so for me nothing changes,” said de Bruyne on chasing a target in Champions League football that he will not be around to enjoy.

City still have work to do but rivals’ dropped points have put the English champions in pole position for a top-five finish.

2 Lethargic Reds do just enough

Liverpool could be crowned champions on April 20 after stretching their commanding lead at the top of the table to 13 points with just 18 left to play for.

However, Arne Slot’s men are slowing up as the finishing line approaches after an exhausting campaign for many of his key players.

After Luis Diaz gave the home side the lead in a fast start at Anfield, the Reds ran out of steam in the second half and needed Alisson Becker to produce three outstanding saves to keep West Ham at bay.

An Andy Robertson own goal looked like it could delay Liverpool’s title party, but van Dijk headed home a corner in the 89th minute before giving the Reds fans even more reason to get excited.

Fresh from seeing Mohamed Salah extend his contract for two more years, van Dijk declared his “love” for the club and hinted that he will be next to end speculation over his future with a new deal.

Within a few weeks, he will be lifting the Premier League trophy despite a drop-off that has seen Liverpool’s only two wins in their last five games come by a single goal against sides in the bottom half of the table.

3 Chelsea feel blue despite dominating

When Chelsea travelled to Everton on Dec 22, they had the chance to go top of the table.

But they have since slipped down to sixth and are in serious danger of missing out on the Champions League for a third straight season.

On April 13, Ipswich Town took advantage of some shambolic defending to go 2-0 up at Stamford Bridge.

An Axel Tuanzebe own goal and Jadon Sancho’s stunning strike restored parity.

But Chelsea’s lack of a cutting edge in the final third cost them again as they failed to make 74 per cent possession and 34 shots at goal count.

The Blues now face having to make up ground during difficult fixtures in the run-in, as they face four of the top eight in their final six games. AFP