2025-05-19Football / Soccer
Premier League Talking Points: Rice Shines, Chelsea Climb, and United Fall Flat

The Sky Sports football writers analyse the latest round of Premier League action as Declan Rice’s stunning goal gives Arsenal victory over Newcastle and Everton give Goodison Park the send-off it deserves by beating Southampton
Declan Rice was Arsenal's match-winner against Newcastle, curling a stunning shot beyond the reach of Nick Pope from the edge of the box to effectively guarantee second place.
The 26-year-old has arguably been Arsenal's best player in a difficult season, his main rival being goalkeeper David Raya, whose saves kept Newcastle at bay in the first half. Raya provided the platform for the victory, but Rice made sure of it. His goal was his ninth of the campaign in all competitions. There have been a further 10 assists.
He has been a revelation in the No. 8 role and can be expected to stay there next season. Only Bukayo Saka has a higher combined total of goals and assists among Arsenal players this term. While more firepower is needed, the club can approach the summer transfer window knowing they have another formidable attacking weapon in Rice.
What makes him special, though, is that he continues to offer so much more besides. Pushed further forward by Mikel Arteta, Rice remains crucial out of possession too. He showed all sides of his game against Newcastle—another eye-catching display in a season full of them.
— Nick Wright
Everton's 2–0 win over already-relegated Southampton was the fitting send-off that their 133-year-old stadium deserved.
Players from both the past and present were in attendance at Goodison Park to say their goodbyes, but it's the future that this team can now look ahead to at the Hill Dickinson Stadium next season.
From fans flooding the streets in the early morning to Seamus Coleman leading his team out one final time, emotions ran high. His return lasted just 17 minutes, but the exit allowed Ashley Young to bid farewell ahead of his imminent departure, while Abdoulaye Doucouré wiped away tears, his future still uncertain.
David Moyes urged his players to end their connection with the stadium on a high—and Iliman Ndiaye's double ensured they did. A summer of change looms, and momentum must now be carried forward.
— Patrick Rowe
Despite boasting big names like Bruno Guimarães, Dan Burn, and Sandro Tonali, Newcastle United showed once again that Alexander Isak is the real difference-maker.
The Magpies have failed to win any of the four Premier League matches this season that Isak has missed. When he starts, they average two goals a game. Without him? Just one in four—and that was a penalty.
Eddie Howe played down his absence, praising the team's first-half performance at the Emirates, but numbers don’t lie. Without Isak, they are not the same side.
— Sam Blitz
West Ham's attacking struggles under Graham Potter continued with a limp display against Nottingham Forest at the London Stadium.
The Hammers had 16 shots but posted an expected goals (xG) total of just 0.9—highlighting the lack of quality chances. Their only goal, via Jarrod Bowen, was a moment of solo brilliance.
Forest, vulnerable in recent weeks, weren’t at their best defensively either. This was West Ham failing to capitalize—again.
— Lewis Jones
Fulham boss Marco Silva didn’t hold back post-match, calling out those who have overlooked his team’s push for Europe this season.
“They forgot a team that is fighting really hard and playing really good football most of the time this season,” Silva said.
He's not wrong. With a net profit on signings, no Aleksandar Mitrović, no João Palhinha, and 34-year-old Raúl Jiménez leading the line, Fulham have already broken their own Premier League points record—with a game to spare.
Second-half substitutes Tom Cairney and Harry Wilson scored to keep hopes of European qualification alive. Whether Silva stays remains to be seen, but his impact is undeniable.
— Ron Walker
When it comes to consistent defensive excellence, Neco Williams has been outstanding for Nottingham Forest.
He’s started 23 straight games, neutralizing opposing wingers with ease. Against West Ham, he won 7 of his 8 tackles and 12 of 16 total duels. His duel with Vladimír Coufal was a highlight.
Williams is one of many unsung heroes helping Forest push for an unlikely Champions League place.
— Lewis Jones
A party atmosphere engulfed Stamford Bridge as Chelsea edged closer to Champions League qualification following their win over Manchester United.
Co-owner Behdad Eghbali and the club’s sporting directors celebrated on the pitch, with just one win now needed to seal a top-four finish.
With Nicolas Jackson suspended and 19-year-old Tyrique George making his first league start, Chelsea lacked bite early on. But captain Reece James created the breakthrough—his setup of Marc Cucurella's seventh goal of the season may prove vital.
Enzo Maresca will be relieved. Anything less and the spotlight would have turned to him.
— Zinny Boswell
Manchester United's season has hit a new low.
Sky Sports pundit Roy Keane called the team “a disgrace” before their loss to Chelsea. While this latest performance was marginally better, Rúben Amorim’s side still only managed one shot on target.
Since the start of April, United have the worst form in the Premier League: two draws, six losses in eight games. Their 18 league defeats mark the worst season since their 1973/74 relegation campaign.
If not for the weakness of the promoted teams, their situation could be even more dire. Wednesday’s Europa League final is make-or-break—not just for silverware, but for hope heading into next season.
— Zinny Boswell