Three talking points from the Premier League weekend

No side has ever won four consecutive English top-flight titles, but City are closing in on that feat after a 5-1 victory over Luton moved them two points clear of their title rivals with six games to play. Aston Villa's 2-0 win at Arsenal also had major ramifications in the battle for Champions League football next season as they move three points clear of Tottenham, who were thrashed 4-0 at Newcastle.

'AFP Sports' looks at three talking points from the Premier League weekend.

Liverpool had not tasted defeat in any competition at Anfield for 14 months but are now licking their wounds after two in four days left their season at risk of fizzling out. Captain Virgil van Dijk said Atalanta's 3-0 win in the Europa League on Thursday "hurt" but Crystal Palace's 1-0 victory may sting even more given the context of a finely balanced title race.

A week ago the destiny of the title was in Liverpool's hands, but they have now won just three times in eight games in all competitions as a weary squad limps towards the finish line.

Jurgen Klopp's men defied expectations during an injury crisis in the first few months of 2024 to win the League Cup and remain in contention for three other trophies. But the quest for the quadruple is long gone and what was set to be a fitting farewell for Klopp is rapidly unravelling.

Unai Emery made his first return to a full Emirates since he was sacked as Arsenal boss in 2019 and may end up prolonging the Gunners' 20-year wait to win the title. Emery's Villa have done the double over Mikel Arteta's men this season and produced a mature away performance the Spaniard was rightly proud of.

The visitors had to ride their luck during an Arsenal onslaught in the first half but took control in the second before st