Weekend Football Highlights: Seagulls Soar, Gunners Grind and Marmoush Magic

February 18, 2025
by Korede Bamisile

From Brighton’s Valentine’s Day masterclass to Arsenal’s title-chasing grit, this weekend delivered everything football fans crave—stunning goals, unexpected twists and high-stakes drama. Manchester City’s Marmoush stole the spotlight with a hat-trick, while Real Madrid stumbled against Osasuna, leaving the La Liga title race wide open.

Here’s a complete rundown of the weekend’s action across Europe’s top leagues!

Brighton: Seagulls Sink Blues Again

Brighton & Hove Albion delivered another Valentine’s Day heartbreak for Chelsea, thrashing the Blues 3-0 at the Amex Stadium. Kaoru Mitoma opened the scoring with a moment of magic, elegantly controlling a long pass before slotting past Filip Jörgensen. Yankuba Minteh then stole the show with a brace, tormenting Chelsea’s defence as Brighton recorded back-to-back wins over Enzo Maresca’s side in just a week.

It was a night to forget for former Seagulls Marc Cucurella and Moisés Caicedo, who faced jeers from the home crowd throughout. Chelsea’s struggles continue, with just two league wins on the road since Boxing Day.

Is this a turning point for Brighton, or is Chelsea’s inconsistency the bigger story?

Arsenal: Super-Sub Merino Keeps Title Dream Alive

Mikel Merino was Arsenal’s unexpected hero, scoring twice in the final 10 minutes to secure a crucial 2-0 win against Leicester City. With key attackers like Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka sidelined, the Gunners looked toothless for much of the match. However, teenager Ethan Nwaneri’s pinpoint cross found Merino for the breakthrough, before the Spanish midfielder calmly finished a second from Leandro Trossard’s assist.

The victory extends Arsenal’s unbeaten run to 15 matches and keeps them within striking distance of league leaders Liverpool.

Are the Gunners showing title-winning grit despite their injury woes?

Man City: Marmoush Masterclass at the Etihad

New signing Omar Marmoush introduced himself in spectacular fashion, netting a first-half hat-trick in Manchester City’s commanding 4-0 victory over Newcastle. The Egyptian forward showcased pace, precision and composure with a delightful lob, a clinical finish from the edge of the box and a powerful near-post strike. James McAtee added a late fourth to seal the win.

City’s dominant display came after a tough midweek loss to Real Madrid, and the result keeps them firmly in the top-four hunt. Meanwhile, Newcastle’s defensive frailties were ruthlessly exposed as their top four hopes took another hit.

Is Marmoush the X-factor City needed to revive their season?

Tottenham: Maddison Magic Sinks United

James Maddison ended his goal drought with a crucial strike as Tottenham edged Manchester United 1-0 in North London. The hosts, who hadn’t won at home in seven league games, capitalised on United’s missed chances to secure back-to-back victories.

United, meanwhile, hit a new low, dropping to 15th after their third defeat against Spurs this season. Alejandro Garnacho and Joshua Zirkzee squandered key opportunities, while Tottenham keeper Guglielmo Vicario delivered a solid performance in his return from injury.

Are Spurs turning the corner, or does United’s decline overshadow this result?

Real Madrid: Budimir Spoils the Party

Real Madrid’s title charge hit a roadblock as Osasuna held them to a 1-1 draw. Kylian Mbappé’s early strike gave Los Blancos the lead, but Jude Bellingham’s controversial red card shifted the momentum.

Ante Budimir equalized from the penalty spot after being fouled in the box, and Madrid ultimately settled for a point. With Barcelona’s 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano on Monday, moving them ahead on goal difference, Real’s hope of winning the league is under threat.

Was Bellingham’s dismissal justified?

What Was Your Weekend Highlight?