LONDON — Benjamin Sesko continued his impressive scoring run as Manchester United secured a 2–1 victory over Crystal Palace to climb to third place in the Premier League, while Tottenham Hotspur’s relegation concerns intensified following a defeat at Fulham.
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Sesko, handed his first start in seven matches since Michael Carrick took charge at Old Trafford, delivered the decisive goal to maintain United’s unbeaten run under the interim manager. The win leaves United with 19 points from a possible 21 and strengthens their push for a return to the Champions League.
Crystal Palace made a strong start, taking an early lead when Maxence Lacroix outmuscled Leny Yoro to head home from Brennan Johnson’s corner. However, the match turned shortly before the hour mark when Lacroix was sent off for pulling back Matheus Cunha inside the box, conceding a penalty.
Bruno Fernandes calmly converted the spot-kick against former United goalkeeper Dean Henderson to level the score. Fernandes later provided the assist for the winner, delivering a curling cross that Sesko powered into the net. The Slovenian forward has now scored seven goals in his last eight appearances, easing doubts surrounding his £74 million transfer fee after a slow start in England.
Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur remain just four points above the relegation zone after a 2–1 loss to Fulham at Craven Cottage. Goals from Harry Wilson and Alex Iwobi gave Fulham a deserved halftime advantage and lifted them to ninth place, keeping their hopes of European qualification alive. Richarlison scored a late consolation for Spurs, who remain without a league win in 2026 under interim boss Igor Tudor.
Tottenham were spared further damage as relegation rivals Nottingham Forest also suffered defeat, losing 2–1 to Brighton & Hove Albion. Diego Gomez and Danny Welbeck scored early for Brighton, with Morgan Gibbs-White replying for Forest, who now sit just two points above the drop zone ahead of a difficult trip to Manchester City.
On Saturday, Manchester City stayed close to league leaders Arsenal with a narrow 1–0 win over Leeds United despite the absence of Erling Haaland due to a minor injury. Leeds failed to capitalize on early chances, including a missed opportunity by Dominic Calvert-Lewin, before Antoine Semenyo netted the winner — his sixth goal in 11 games since joining City last month.
City manager Pep Guardiola praised the result, calling it a crucial victory as the title race intensifies amid a demanding schedule across multiple competitions.
