Benjamin Sesko continued his impressive scoring run, netting the decisive goal as Manchester United secured a 2–1 victory over Crystal Palace to climb into third place in the Premier League, while Tottenham Hotspur’s relegation worries deepened following defeat at Fulham.
Handed his first start in seven matches under manager Michael Carrick, Sesko delivered when it mattered most, helping United extend their unbeaten run since the former midfielder assumed control at Old Trafford. The win means United have now collected 19 points from a possible 21.
Crystal Palace struck first when Maxence Lacroix overpowered Leny Yoro to head home Brennan Johnson’s corner early in the match. However, the contest shifted dramatically just before the hour mark when Lacroix was sent off for pulling back Matheus Cunha inside the box, conceding a penalty.
Bruno Fernandes stepped up and calmly converted the spot-kick past former United goalkeeper Dean Henderson to restore parity.
Fernandes later turned provider, delivering a curling cross that Sesko powered into the net. The Slovenian striker has now scored seven goals in his last eight appearances, easing doubts surrounding his £74 million transfer fee after a slow start to life in England.
Tottenham struggles continue
Tottenham’s difficult season showed little sign of improvement as interim coach Igor Tudor suffered another setback in a 2–1 loss to Fulham at Craven Cottage, leaving Spurs just four points above the relegation zone.
Fulham took control before halftime through goals from Harry Wilson and Alex Iwobi, boosting their push for European qualification as they climbed to ninth place.
Richarlison pulled one back late on for Tottenham, but the North London side remain the only Premier League team yet to register a league victory in 2026.
Elsewhere, Nottingham Forest’s survival hopes suffered another blow with a 2–1 defeat to Brighton. Diego Gomez and Danny Welbeck scored for the Seagulls, either side of Morgan Gibbs-White’s response.
Forest now sit only two points above the relegation zone ahead of a challenging midweek trip to Manchester City.
Attention turns to Sunday’s headline clash where league leaders Arsenal host Chelsea. Arsenal’s advantage at the summit has been cut to two points after City’s narrow win over Leeds, while Chelsea also need a positive result as they battle to remain in the top five and secure Champions League qualification.
