Premier League wrap-up: Gunners benefit from some luck, new managers win

There were a number of surprising results up and down the table as favourites sputtered and underdogs rose up.

Here are some of the bigger talking points from Matchweek 22.

Title race hits a snag

For the second week in a row, the top three teams all faltered. However, Arsenal still managed to grow their lead.

The Gunners drew Nottingham Forest 0-0 in a dreadful game that did little to inspire fans of the league-leading side, especially in light of how they've failed to reach the top of the mountain in several successive seasons.

Despite this, Arsenal will head into next weekend's action with a seven-point lead, as both Manchester City and Aston Villa were defeated in their respective matches.

A Premier League season is long and gruelling, and although every champion is fully deserving after a 38-game grind, no team has ever finished on top without a little bit of luck.

It appears that the Gunners are on the receiving end of that luck right now after back-to-back scoreless games have not hindered their title chase at all — in fact, they are in a better position now than they were before their performances dipped.

Bottom of the table rise up!

It rarely happens, but now and then the cannon fodder becomes the shooters.

Such was the case in Matchweek 22, as the five teams currently at the bottom of the standings all earned points, with two of them winning.

While it won't do much to upset the apple cart at the other end of the table, the 16th through 20th teams are all clamouring for points wherever they can get them, as each one can represent another step towards safety.

Ironically enough, all of the bottom-feeders earning success this weekend doesn't do much for those in the final three positions, as they need to catch those clubs immediately above them to ensure their escape from relegation.

Still, it's a bit of a feel-good story that shows how every match is competitive in the Premier League.

New manager bounce?

We've seen new managers come in this season to little or no effect on their clubs' results.

This weekend was different, as both Chelsea and Manchester United were victorious in their games, and both featured new men in the dugout.

The Blues had Liam Rosenior on patrolling the sidelines for the first time in a league match, and his charges responded with a 2-0 victory over red-hot Brentford. Meanwhile, Michael Carrick returned to an interim role at Man United and led the Red Devils to a thrilling victory over their city rivals in the Manchester derby.

Time will tell how long these new manager bounces will last at the two clubs, but for now, it's been a positive start in the league for both men.

How to watch the Premier League in Canada

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For pricing information and to sign up to watch, click here.