-JWFSQPPM GSVTUSBUFE CZ GPSNFS NBOBHFS #FOJUF[
Rafa Benitez’s Newcastle United held his former team Liverpool to a 1-1 draw at St James’s Park on Sunday, a result that left the visitors seven points off the Manchester clubs at the top of the Premier League.
The game encapsulated Liverpool’s season as it took the lead through a superb Philippe Coutinho strike from 25 meters on 29 minutes, only to concede seven minutes later after shambolic defending allowed Joselu to latch on to Jonjo Shelvey’s pass through the middle.
As the striker broke clear, Joel Matip’s attempted tackle only diverted the ball on to Joselu’s shin and past the diving Simon Mignolet.
Juergen Klopp’s mood on the sidelines was not improved when Daniel Sturridge, who was starting in place of Roberto Firmino, squandered a chance from close range after a miskick from Newcastle defender Ciaran Clark.
The visitors looked hesitant at the back and tentative in front of goal with Sturridge too often caught offside. Firmino, Dominic Solanke and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain were all brought on but Newcastle held on as Benitez kept his unbeaten record in five games as a manager against Liverpool.
Meanwhile, Arsenal maintained its perfect home record this season by comfortably beating Brighton & Hove Albion 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League’s early kickoff on Sunday.
On the 21st anniversary of his taking over as manager, Arsene Wenger made nine changes from the side that excelled in the Europa League on Thursday, but Arsenal started at the same high-octane level.
After Alexandre Lacazette hit the post in the second minute, the Gunners took the lead in the 16th when Nacho Monreal struck the ball firmly through a sea of bodies in the Brighton area.
Without suspended Israeli Tomer Hemed, Brighton posed a limited attacking threat and a moment of brilliance from Alexis Sanchez, who back-heeled the ball deftly in the penalty area, set up the second for Alex Iwobi on 56 minutes.
“It was a great team play. I didn’t think Alexis would find me but it shows the skill he has,” said Iwobi. “He is capable of doing anything. To have eyes in the back of his head and back-heel to me was amazing.”
Also, Everton’s poor start to the season continued as it suffered a 1-0 defeat at home to Burnley on Sunday with Irish midfielder Jeff Hendrick grabbing a 21st minute winner.
Burnley is unbeaten away from home this season and moved up to sixth in the league while Everton languishes in 16th place with just two wins in this campaign so far.
The questions over the future of Everton’s Dutch manager Ronald Koeman will surely increase after a lackluster display from his players, who were booed off the field by their own supporters. (Reuters)