REDS SURVIVE SHARP BLADES
LIVERPOOL GRIND OUT WIN AGAINST SHEFFIELD UNITED TO EXTEND PERFECT START
London, Sept. 28: Liverpool sent out an ominous warning to the rest of the Premier League on Saturday, proving they can win ugly as Harry Kane rescued 10-man Tottenham.
Frank Lampard’s Chelsea beat Brighton at Stamford Bridge, winning at home for the first time in the league under their new manager, courtesy of a Jorginho penalty and a Willian strike.
Elsewhere, there were wins for Wolves against bottom club Watford while West Ham’s draw at Bournemouth lifted them to third in the table.
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool won their seventh Premier League game out of seven to pull eight points clear ahead of Manchester City, thanks to Georginio Wijnaldum’s fortunate strike in a 1-0 victory at Sheffield United.
The European champions looked short on invention against the wellorganised Blades until Wijnaldum’s shot from the edge of the box 20 minutes from time trickled between the legs of United goalkeeper Dean Henderson. The hosts had their chances to spring a huge shock against their off-colour opponents as Adrian turned behind a long-range drive from Oliver Norwood before Andy Robertson made a brilliant block to deny John Fleck the opener.
But all of Sheffield United’s good work was undone with one mistake when Wijnaldum pounced on a loose ball 20 yards from goal. His strike should have been easily handled by Henderson, who instead watched on with horror as the ball slipped under his grasp.
SPURS HOLD ON Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino recalled his big guns for the Premier League game against Southampton at home, making 11 changes from the side that suffered a shock League Cup loss at Colchester in midweek.
Spurs had won just two of their opening eight games in all competitions before Saturday and looked in deep trouble when they were reduced to 10 men against Brighton.
Tanguy Ndombele fired the home side ahead in the 24th minute but they suffered a blow when Serge Aurier was sent off after half an hour for two yellow cards.
Hugo Lloris then gifted Southampton an equaliser with a goalkeeping howler, Danny Ings dispossessing the Frenchman in his sixyard box and forced the ball home before Kane restored the home side’s lead shortly before halftime.
The win lifted Spurs into fourth place in the Premier League, one spot behind West Ham, who drew 2-2 away to Bournemouth.