Premier League Highlights: Concerns Over Salah’s Potential Exit and Tottenham’s Long-Awaited Victory

The Gunners secured a 1-0 victory over Newcastle, pulling three points ahead of City, albeit having played one match more than their competitors. Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola’s side triumphed over Southampton at Wembley, advancing to the FA Cup final and remaining in contention for a domestic treble.

For a brief moment on Saturday, it seemed that Spurs might escape the relegation zone, but a last-minute goal from West Ham kept them rooted in 18th place.

Liverpool achieved their third consecutive league win, bolstering their chances for Champions League qualification, although there are concerns that Mohamed Salah might have played his final match for the club.

AFP Sport delves into three key topics from the Premier League weekend:

Arsenal’s ‘hectic schedule’

Martin Odegaard expressed his frustration with Arsenal’s “hectic schedule” following their slender victory at the Emirates, which came after a difficult period of performances.

The captain was pivotal in a clever short-corner setup that was stylishly finished by Eberechi Eze.

However, Eze had to leave the pitch later on, alongside Kai Havertz, on a day when Arsenal was finally able to welcome Bukayo Saka back from an Achilles injury.

These injuries could have significant consequences, especially with the first leg of Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid approaching on Wednesday.

Odegaard has faced his own injury challenges this season, and with the Gunners vying for both the Premier League and Champions League titles, losing key players is not an option.

“We’re going to fight every single day and we look forward to it,” the Norwegian told Sky Sports.

“The schedule is hectic, but that’s how it is. We’ve adapted to it and just have to keep pushing. It’s the end of the season, so we must give everything in every game and fight for every win.”

Spurs’ optimism

Roberto De Zerbi reiterated his belief that a single victory could spark transformation as Tottenham geared up for their match against bottom-placed Wolves, and his team delivered at Molineux.

The joy of securing their first Premier League win since December was somewhat dampened by West Ham’s last-gasp winner against Everton, which maintains a two-point gap between them and Spurs, with Wolves and Burnley already relegated.

The London side, who celebrated a 1-0 win, face a challenging final stretch with matches against Aston Villa, Leeds, Chelsea, and Everton on the horizon.

“I hope this result can change something in our mentality for the upcoming matches,” the Italian stated.

He urged his players to remain focused and not to be swayed by the results of other teams.

“They need to stay positive and be full of confidence because they are capable, and not be distracted by other outcomes, such as West Ham’s,” he added.

Farewell for Salah?

Anfield applauded Mohamed Salah as he departed the pitch just under an hour into Liverpool’s 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace, appearing to suffer a hamstring injury.

The Egyptian acknowledged the crowd, soaking in the moment as fans warmly applauded in return.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot expressed uncertainty over Salah’s condition, stating he didn’t know if the prolific forward, who has made over 400 appearances and scored 257 goals for the club, would play again.

“We’ll have to wait and see how serious his injury is and if he can make a comeback,” the Dutch coach said.

“What I can say about Mo is that he has always taken excellent care of his body, so I expect he’ll require the minimum recovery time possible.”

This victory propelled Liverpool into fourth place, now tied on 58 points with Aston Villa and Manchester United, and eight points clear of Brighton.

The current top five are all set for next season’s Champions League, and it seems improbable that any of them will fall out of contention.