Some clubs struggling towards Premier League finish line

ST's weekend football debrief

- Deepanraj Ganesan

It was a bruising weekend for Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, who were both beaten 2-0 by West Ham and Crystal Palace, while Manchester City were held 0-0 by bottom dwellers Southampton.

Here are three key talking points from the weekend's action.

ARSENAL MUST AVOID ENDING SEASON WITH A WHIMPER

These are trying times for Arsenal fans. In recent weeks, they have seen the Gunners eliminated in the Champions League semi-finals for another trophyless season and watched arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur reach a European final. On May 11, they had to watch their players give champions Liverpool a guard of honour.

This was not how their campaign was meant to peter out. Mikel Arteta's side were tagged as hot favourites to bag some silverware and push Liverpool all the way for the league title.

But the Reds have prevailed and Arsenal must now live with the disappointment of seeing their season fizzle out. But they cannot afford to cede their No. 2 spot in the league, and anything lower would be a bitter blow.

The Gunners had a spirited comeback from two goals down in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool, but they also have just three wins in their last 11 league matches.

Newcastle United and Southampton await in their final two games and with the Magpies just two points behind, there is a lot riding on the next game.