Nothing too Rash as Man U climb to second place late
Three weeks after crashing out of the Champions League, Manchester United are looking more like potential English football champions again.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side rose to second place — two points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool — with a 1-0 victory over Wolverhampton.
Although ponderous at times, United pushed for a winner that came in the third minute of stoppage time when Marcus Rashford’s shot deflected off Romain Saiss and wrong-footed goalkeeper Rui Patricio.
United haven’t lifted the Premier League trophy since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.
“Last season we didn’t win many points towards the end of games and we have a tradition of it at this club,” Solskjaer said. “Now we’ve won quite a few points towards the end of games and that’s both a mental aspect and also a physical aspect.
“We’ve got a group now that’s more robust both mentally and physically.”
In a meeting of promoted clubs, Leeds routed West Bromwich Albion 5-0. Ezgjan Alioski, Jack Harrison and Rodrigo scored three in nine minutes after Romaine Sawyers’ own-goal put Leeds in front. The midfielder played a blind back pass but failed to notice goalkeeper Sam Johnstone to the left of his goal and the ball rolled into the empty net.
Raphinha added the fifth in the second half as Leeds rose to 11th place, while West Brom are above only Sheffield United at the bottom.
“We have only been in this league for 16 games and there are still many challenges and many tests we have to pass before we can legitimately say we belong,” Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa said.
“Every game in this league is a challenge, all the teams have secrets and capacities. There are few games you can think of where there are very few difficulties to resolve.”
Alexandre Lacazette scored 29 seconds after entering the field as a second-half substitute to give Arsenal a 1-0 win at Brighton.
Lacazette had just come on when Bukayo Saka turned from inside his own half and made a superb run down the right before pulling the ball back to him. Lacazette took one touch to control the ball just inside the penalty area before driving a shot inside the right post in the 66th minute.
The win eases some pressure off manager Mikel Arteta as Arsenal moved into 13th place.
“This is what all the managers dream of, to bring people from the bench to win you the game like he’s done,” Arteta said.
Sheffield United have only two points after 16 games following a 1-0 loss to Burnley that was secured by captain Ben Mee. Burnley are five points above the drop zone. Southampton recorded their second successive 0-0 draw in a cagey match against West Ham. Southampton were without manager Ralph Hasenhu¨ttl, who is in self-isolation after a member of his household tested positive for Covid-19.