MANCHESTER, England (AP) — It's four Premier League wins in a row for Manchester United under Michael Carrick and a season that was unraveling just weeks ago now looks full of promise.
United Beats Tottenham 2-0 to Extend Carrick's Perfect Start
United won 2-0 against Tottenham on Saturday to extend Carrick's 100% start as head coach and boost hopes of a return to the Champions League after missing out for the last two years.
Bryan Mbeumo and Fernandes scored in each half at Old Trafford after Spurs went down to 10 men when captain Cristian Romero was sent off in the 29th minute.
It is the first time in two years that United has won four straight Premier League games.
Carrick has transformed United's fortunes since he was parachuted in to replace the fired Ruben Amorim last month. Initially given a contract until the end of the season, his impressive impact will likely put him in serious contention to keep the job as the club's hierarchy consider its long-term plans.
"Michael has won everything here and he knows what it means for these fans, what it means for the club to win and how much is needed to win at this football club. I think that adds something special to the team," United captain Bruno Fernandes told TNT Sports.
Fernandes' goal, with a controlled finish off his shin in the 81st, was his 200th goal involvement since joining United in 2020.
United is fourth and after moving up to 44 points, the 20-time English champion has already exceeded last season's total of 42 points for the entire campaign.
Is Carrick the Leading Contender for Man United Job?
Victory for United will further strengthen Carrick's case to be given the job on a long-term basis.
"I think Michael came in with the right ideas of giving the players the responsibility," said Fernandes. "He's very good with the words."
"I think he still remembers what I told him the last time he was our manager for our last game. I was sure that Michael could be a great manager, and he's just showing it."
Arsenal Powers Further Clear at Top
Arsenal powered nine points clear at the top, with Viktor Gyokeres coming off the bench to score two goals in a 3-0 win against Sunderland.
Gyokeres took his season's tally to 13 goals and extended his streak to six in eight games. Even more impressive was the fact that his double arrived after coming on as a 60th-minute substitute at the Emirates.
His run comes after overcoming a difficult start since his move from Sporting Lisbon last summer, when questions were raised about his ability to repeat the outstanding scoring form he showed in the Portuguese league. He managed only three goals in his first 11 games.
"He's very demanding of himself, he's constantly trying to improve and that's really, really good," said Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. "When you feel confident, when you feel important, when you feel at your best, that's when you can really take your game to the highest level."
Martin Zubimendi opened the scoring in the first half for his sixth goal of the season.
Arsenal's title pursuit has been helped in recent weeks by its title rivals slipping up. On Saturday, a bookmaker said it was paying out on Arteta's team being crowned champion for the first time since 2004.
Arteta said the size of Arsenal's lead meant "nothing, we still have to win so many games to achieve what we want."
Cole Palmer Hat Trick in Chelsea Win
Cole Palmer scored a first-half hat trick in Chelsea's 3-1 win at last-place Wolves.