Arsenal Return To Top, Iwobi’s Fulham Suffer Home Defeat As Man City ‘ Destroy’ Palace
BUKAYO SAKA scored from a penalty spot in the 33rd minutes, just as two more goals from Kai Havertz ( 62’ minutes) and Trossard ( 86’ minutes) gave Arsenal all three points at Brighton yesterday to keep their title hope alive. The victory took the Gunners to the top of the Premier League table.
Earlier , Bruno Guimaraes scored his fourth goal of the season as Newcastle beat Fulham at Craven Cottage.
The Brazilian struck the winner inside the last 10 minutes after good work from substitute Harvey Barnes, shortly after Fabian Schar had an effort ruled out.
Newcastle are now one point adrift of sixth- placed Manchester United and firmly in the tussle for a place in Europe next season.
Willian, Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Muniz missed great chances for Marco Silva’s home side as Fulham stayed in 13th spot.
Earlier, yesterday, Manchester City maintained their title challenge in ruthless fashion as Kevin de Bruyne claimed his 100th goal for the club in a comeback victory at Crystal Palace.
In an entertaining encounter, Palace stunned City with an early opener from Jean- Philippe Mateta, before De Bruyne’s wonderful finish pulled the visitors level in the first half.
Mateta raced on to a pass from Adam Wharton and slotted the ball inside the far corner in only the third minute as noise erupted from the stands at Selhurst Park.
But De Bruyne’s curling effort was a sublime equaliser just 10 minutes later. Palace’s Jordan Ayew struck the crossbar as Oliver Glasner’s side showed plenty of attacking threat but they were undone in the second half as City were clinical.
Having earlier made a crucial stop to deny Erling Haaland finishing off a clever De Bruyne throughball, home goalkeeper Dean Henderson was unable to block Rico Lewis’ strike within two minutes of the second half.
The defending champions then took control as De Bruyne teed up Haaland again and this time the Norwegian striker finished, before the Belgian added a fourth - marking his century of goals for City since joining in 2015 - with a ferocious first- time shot.
Substitute Odsonne Edouard slotted in a late consolation for Palace, who ended the game brightly. But this was another crucial victory for Pep Guardiola’s side in an enthralling threeway title race.
City moved level on points with leaders Liverpool, who visit Manchester United today.