EPL: Man Utd beat Crystal Palace 2-1, move up to third

​Manchester United’s resurgence under Michael Carrick reached new heights on Sunday as a 2-1 comeback victory over Crystal Palace propelled the Red Devils into third place in the Premier League. While the mood at Old Trafford is buoyant, North London remains shrouded in gloom as Tottenham Hotspur’s winless start to 2026 continued with a dismal defeat at Fulham.

​The headline act at Old Trafford was once again Benjamin Sesko. The Slovenian international, initially a lightning rod for criticism following his £74 million move, has firmly silenced his detractors. Handed his first start in seven matches, Sesko headed home the winner from a Bruno Fernandes cross, marking his seventh goal in eight appearances.

​The afternoon didn’t start as scripted for the hosts. Crystal Palace took a shock early lead when Maxence Lacroix outmuscled Leny Yoro to nod home from a Brennan Johnson corner. However, the momentum shifted decisively just before the hour mark. Lacroix turned from hero to villain, receiving a red card for hauling down Matheus Cunha in the box. Bruno Fernandes stepped up to coolly slot the penalty past former United keeper Dean Henderson, setting the stage for Sesko’s later heroics.

​Under Carrick’s stewardship, United have now amassed an incredible 19 points from a possible 21, firmly placing them in the driver’s seat for Champions League qualification.

​Spurs Sinking Fast Under Tudor

​While Manchester celebrates, Tottenham is bracing for a potential disaster. A 2-1 loss to Fulham at Craven Cottage has left the Lilywhites just four points above the relegation zone. Despite the appointment of interim boss Igor Tudor, Spurs remain the only side in the top flight without a win in the calendar year of 2026.

ADVERTISEMENT

​First-half goals from Harry Wilson and Alex Iwobi put Fulham in control, and while Richarlison pulled one back late for the visitors, it was too little, too late. Spurs’ only solace came from Brighton, where Nottingham Forest also suffered a 2-1 defeat, keeping the gap between Tottenham and the bottom three temporarily intact.

​Title Race Tightens

​The result in Manchester adds further pressure to the evening’s blockbuster London derby between Arsenal and Chelsea. With Manchester City securing a gritty 1-0 win over Leeds on Saturday, the Gunners’ lead at the summit has been trimmed to just two points. Meanwhile, Chelsea enters the fray sitting sixth, desperate for a win to break into the top five and secure their own European aspirations.