Gunners back on top as Liverpool left frustrated
Arsenal moved back to the top of the Premier League last Sunday (Dec 17) when they beat Brighton 2-0 and Liverpool were unable to overcome bitter rivals Manchester United.
Goals from Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz were enough to secure the win for the Gunners in a game they thoroughly dominated from start to finish.
At time of press, Arsenal have 39 points, one more than Liverpool who were left frustrated after a 0-0 with bitter rivals United at Anfield.
Jurgen Klopp’s men dominated, hogging nearly 70% of possession and had 34 shots to United’s six but they could not break down their stubborn opponents.
Flying under the radar, Unai Emery’s Aston Villa are level with Liverpool on 38 points after a 2-1 win at Brentford on Sunday thanks to goals from Alex Moreno and Ollie Watkins, the latter scoring the winner against his former club.
Manchester City were cruising towards victory on Saturday against Crystal Palace before conceding two late goals.
Palace have been something of a bogey team for City boss Pep Guardiola since he arrived in England in 2016 – they are one of only three teams to have won at the Etihad more than once, along with Manchester United and Chelsea.
Goals from Jack Grealish and Rico Lewis put City in front and in total control before
Jean-Philippe Mateta pulled one back and Michael Olise lashed home a 95th minute penalty to make it 2-2 as boos rang around the Etihad at the final whistle.
City, who now head to the Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia, have won just one of their past six Premier League games and risk falling off the pace.
Elsewhere, Tottenham beat Nottingham Forest 2-0 and Chelsea defeated bottom club Sheffield United 2-0 to register just their third home league win of the season.
West Ham eased past Wolves 3-0 while Everton’s fine recent form continued as they beat struggling Burnley 2-0 to lift themselves seven points clear of the relegation zone – just a month after they were docked 10 points for breaking financial rules.
The weekend’s action was overshadowed by a shocking incident at Bournemouth, where Luton captain Tom Lockyer suffered a cardiac arrest.
The Wales international received medical treatment on the pitch before he was carried off to applause. The game was subsequently abandoned.
Luton confirmed Lockyer was responsive before being taken to hospital and was in a “stable” condition “with his family at his bedside.” In an update on Sunday the club said he was undergoing tests and scans.
The 29-year-old had heart surgery after collapsing during Luton’s Championship play-off final win against Coventry in late May and has made 15 appearances so far in all competitions this season.