International stars step up in relegation battle
EVERTON proved their heart for a Premier League relegation scrap with a rousing 1-0 victory over Chelsea at a jubilant Goodison Park yesterday, with match-winner Richarlison and goalkeeper Jordan Pickford the heroes.
The Brazil international scored the 90th-minute equaliser against Leicester here last time out, but his 46th-minute strike was far more significant, because of the three points it secured in their bid for top flight survival.
However, it would have meant little without a brilliant recovery save inches from the line from Cesar Azpilicueta’s shot by England man Pickford, who had been beaten by Mason Mount’s strike off both posts.
Azpilicueta had earlier been caught on the ball in the lead up to Richarlison’s goal.
Elsewhere, Arsenal maintained their two-point advantage over big rivals Spurs in the race for the fourth Champions League place.
The Gunners won 2-1 at West Ham after defender Gabriel scored a 54th-minute winner.
Earlier, Rob Holding headed the visitors into the lead seven minutes before the break, but Jarrod Bowen levelled on the stroke of half-time.
Spurs, meanwhile, were 3-1 home winners over Leicester.
Harry Kane put the home side in front before Son Heung-Min’s brace sealed matters. Leicester scored via Kelechi Iheanacho.
On Saturday, Manchester City responded to Liverpool briefly regaining top spot by hammering Leeds 4-0 to restore their one-point advantage at the summit.
The Reds beat Newcastle 1-0 courtesy of Naby Keita’s goal in the lunchtime kick-off to put the pressure on their title rivals, but the answer was emphatic.
Rodri put defending champions City ahead in the first half and goals after the break from Nathan Ake, Gabriel Jesus and finally Fernandinho secured victory.
Elsewhere, Norwich’s return to the Championship was rubberstamped following a 2-0 defeat at Aston Villa as Burnley came from behind to beat Watford.
Dean Smith’s return to Villa Park for the first time since his dismissal in November saw the hosts take the lead through Ollie Watkins five minutes before the break, with substitute Danny Ings also on the scoresheet during added time.
Burnley, meanwhile, battled back to win 2-1 at Watford.
The Hornets took an early lead through an own goal from Burnley captain James Tarkowski after the ball cannoned into him off the woodwork, but Jack Cork levelled with a diving header with eight minutes left and former Bristol City man Josh Brownhill fired a winner just three minutes later.
Substitute Wilfried Zaha struck a stoppage-time winner as Crystal Palace rallied to beat Southampton 2-1. Oriol Romeu headed the Saints in front after nine minutes, but Eberechi Eze hauled Palace level on the hour, before Zaha completed the turnaround.
Brighton, meanwhile, won 3-0 at Wolves. Alexis MacAllister missed and then scored first-half penalties before Leandro Trossard and Yves Bissouma wrapped things up.
Manchester United play host to Brentford this evening (8pm).