Premier League: Three things we learned as Arsenal remain eight points clear
Manchester City dominate lacklustre Liverpool
MANCHESTER CITY 4-1 LIVERPOOL
In what would have been a tightly contested matchup last season, it was Manchester City that came out on top and showed the drop off in Liverpool’s quality from the previous year.
The Citizens didn’t get off to the best start as they conceded in the 17th minute. However, they didn’t crumble as World Cup winner Julian Alvarez scored just ten minutes later to ensure that City went into the break level. Pep Guardiola’s side were fired up for the second half with Kevin De Bruyne scoring just 53 seconds after the restart. They maintained the pressure throughout as Ilkay Gundogan bagged a goal in the 53rd minute and Jack Grealish, who arguably had his best performance in a City shirt, scored to seal the match in the 74th minute.
The Reds looked to be on the right track after Mohamed Salah’s goal as they were going toe to toe with City in the opening stages of the game. Unfortunately for them, the goal seemed to have awoken City who then piled on the pressure. The Anfield side were still in with a chance after the break but all hope was lost after they conceded the goal from kick-off. It was after this that they went into damage control, failing to get back into the game.
Guardiola’s men were relentless in the second half and find themselves eight points off the top of the league table with a game in hand. They travel to St. Mary’s Stadium to face Southampton on Saturday 8 April.
Jurgen Klopp’s side lacked belief after the equaliser, they have now lost two Premier League games on the bounce and fall to eighth in the league. They now sit eight points off a place in the top four. Liverpool head to Stamford Bridge as they face Chelsea on Tuesday 4 April.
Arsenal show brilliant display against Leeds to maintain top spot
ARSENAL 4-1 LEEDS UNITED
Arsenal made a triumphant return to the Premier League after the international break by thrashing Leeds and maintaining their eight-point lead at the top of the table.
The Gunners were put under pressure in the first half, not creating many chances due to Leeds’ tight defensive line. However, a defensive mistake in the 35th minute settled the nerves as they were awarded a penalty, leaving Gabriel Jesus to give Arsenal the lead. The Emirates side upped the level in the second half with Ben White doubling their lead in under a minute. They utterly dominated the second 45 minutes with Jesus scoring his second and Granit Xhaka putting the nail in the coffin in the 84th minute.
The Whites were solid in the first half, although playing a defensive style, they were the side that created the better chances and could have seen themselves ahead after two missed chances from Crysencio Summerville and Jack Harrison. The penalty that they conceded was unfortunate as Luke Ayling trampled on the foot of Jesus but they succumbed to the intensity and class of Arsenal in the second half and could not get a positive result. Despite this, they managed to get a consolation goal through Rasmus Kristensen.
Mikel Arteta’s men will be delighted with another three points in their journey to win the league. They travel away to Anfield, facing Liverpool on Sunday 9 April.
Javi Gracia’s side were outclassed on the day and have just avoided the relegation zone as they sit 17th in the league. They host Nottingham Forest at Elland Road on Tuesday 4 April.
Newcastle United regain spark as they beat Manchester United
NEWCASTLE UNITED 2-0 MANCHESTER UNITED
Newcastle United returned to their fantastic form from before the World Cup to beat Manchester United and take revenge for their defeat in the EFL Cup final.
The Magpies were clearly up for the game and were the better team from the first minute. They displayed a dominant performance in the first half, creating plenty of chances but couldn’t find the opening goal that they deserved. They continued their momentum after the break, with Joe Willock breaking the deadlock in the 65th minute and substitute Callum Wilson securing the win just two minutes before the final whistle.
The Red Devils were disappointing and could not increase their level to match Newcastle on the day. They were missing a couple of their key players in Christian Eriksen and Casemiro, a major reason that led to their lacklustre performance. This is yet another loss away from home for them against top-half opposition and they are yet to win or score in the Premier League since their EFL Cup win.
Eddie Howe’s men have secured a very valuable three points to stay in the top four and now sit above Manchester United in 3rd. They travel to the London Stadium to face West Ham on Wednesday 5 April.
Erik Ten Hag’s side have had a slight drop in form over the last month, although they are still in the top four. They host Brentford at Old Trafford on Wednesday 5 April.
Other Fixtures
BOUREMOUTH 2-1 FULHAM
BRIGHTON 3-3 BRENTFORD
CRYSTAL PALACE 2-1 LEICESTER CITY
NOTTINGHAM FOREST 1-1 WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
CHELSEA 0-2 ASTON VILLA
WEST HAM UNITED 1-0 SOUTHAMPTON
EVERTON v TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR