Reds take top spot as big game disappoints
LIVERPOOL returned to the top of the Premier League table with a 2-1 win over Brighton at Anfield, while title rivals Manchester City and Arsenal played out a 0-0 bore draw at the Etihad Stadium.
In the first of yesterday’s two matches, the Seagulls took the lead inside two minutes thanks to a superb drive from Danny Welbeck, but Luis Diaz levelled for the Reds by the half-time break.
Mohamed Salah then won the game for Liverpool from Alexis Mac Allister’s fine through-ball in the second half.
While the game at Anfield was an action-packed thriller full of chances, the big head-to-head between City and Arsenal was a disappointment.
The Gunners will surely be the happier of the two sides, having put in a tremendous defensive shift, albeit at the expense of a more attacking display, but City failed to carve out any real opportunities.
Liverpool are now two points clear of Arsenal at the summit and three ahead of City with nine matches of the campaign left to play.
Meanwhile, on Saturday, Newcastle came from behind with two late goals from substitute Harvey Barnes to beat West Ham 4-3 at St James’ Park.
Alexander Isak put the hosts in front with an early penalty, but Michail Anthonio and Mohammed Kudus turned things around.
West Ham looked in control after Jarrod Bowen made it 3-1 soon after half-time, but Isak’s second penalty 13 minutes from time sparked the comeback, which was completed by two-goal Barnes.
There was also a dramatic finish to Saturday’s late kick-off as Brentford and Manchester United drew 1-1 despite the first goal not coming until the 96th minute. The Bees ought to have been in firm command after dominating the game, but were hit with a Mason Mount sucker punch well into added time. However, they promptly went up the other end to equalise through Kristoffer Ajer.
Aston Villa kept themselves in fourth place with a 2-0 victory over Wolves. Villa went ahead in the 36th minute when Moussa Diaby drilled home a low shot from 20 yards, and Ezri Konsa added a second just after the hour when his chip across goal dropped in at the far post.
Tottenham came from behind to beat relegation battlers Luton 2-1 and keep themselves in Champions League contention.
Tahith Chong gave the Hatters a shock lead after just three minutes, but an own goal from defender Issa Kabore and a late winner from Son Heung-min did the job for Spurs.
Nottingham Forest moved out of the drop zone – at Luton’s expense – with a 1-1 home draw against Crystal Palace. Jean-Philippe Mateta gave the Eagles the lead, but Chris Wood’s close-range header levelled matters.
Bottom club Sheffield United were denied a first home win since early December as Fulham fought back to draw 3-3 at Bramall Lane.
The Blades took the lead in the 58th minute through Ben Brereton Diaz but Fulham were soon back on level terms through Joao Palhinha’s header. Oli McBurnie had United in front again after 68 minutes, with Brereton Diaz swiftly heading a third.
However, Bobby De Cordova-Reid pulled a goal back and Rodrigo Muniz bagged an acrobatic leveller in stoppage-time.
Bournemouth snatched a late 2-1 home win over Everton. Dominic Solanke’s header was cancelled out by Beto – only for Toffees captain Seamus Coleman to score an own goal in stoppage-time.
And ten-man Burnley twice came from behind to claim a 2-2 draw at Chelsea. Josh Cullen and Dara O’Shea netted equalisers after Cole Palmer had twice put the Blues into the lead at Stamford Bridge, and the Clarets might have won it late on.