Arsenal FC players celebrating a goal in the EPL
The top three of the English Premier League maintained the furious pace of their title race by winning hard-fought matches, although all three required second-half penalties to do so.
Manchester City maintained their one-point lead after securing a 1-0 home win over Wolverhampton in the opening kickoff of Raheem Sterling’s 100th league goal on Saturday, and a slim victory of their own by chasing the pair of Liverpool and Chelsea. replied with
Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard’s return to Anfield almost dented Liverpool’s title hopes, but Mohamed Salah’s penalty in the 67th minute was 1 for the Reds after goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez disappointed the hosts for most of the game. Won -0.
At Stamford Bridge, Jorginho had to convert two spot kicks – the second in the fourth minute of stoppage time – for Chelsea to beat Leeds 3-2. His first penalty in the 58th put Chelsea ahead 2–1 but Joe Gellhardt leveled in the 83rd.
Liverpool finished second, while Chelsea finished third by one more point.
City were perhaps a little lucky to come up with a sixth straight league win after Pep Guardiola’s team was awarded a controversial spot kick for handball, when Joao Moutinho pulled a cross from Bernardo Silva out of his hand. Wolves argued that the ball hit his side, but the decision was upheld after a VAR review.
Sterling calmly converted the penalty straight in the middle. “It’s a lovely achievement,” Sterling said of joining the 100-goal club.
“Some great players have been there. I’m really honored to be involved now.” Manchester United also needed a penalty from Cristiano Ronaldo to beat last-placed Norwich 1-0 to reach fifth place. Arsenal bounced back from two straight losses after beating Southampton 3–0 at home.
Emotional comeback for Gerard
Long-time Liverpool captain Gerrard returned to his boyhood club in a professional capacity for the first time since leaving in 2015 and was given a standing ovation when he entered the field to play.
“It was always going to be an emotional one. Everyone on the outside could understand that,” Gerard said. “I still very much appreciate the support and bond with the Liverpool fans, but I think it’s normal because I’ve had so many years here.”
Gerrard’s defensive strategy almost paid off as Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez let Liverpool down until Tyrone Mings pulled Salah down in the 67th minute, and Egypt converted a successful 15th consecutive penalty.
When Liverpool goalkeeper Alison Joel fumbled on a loose ball after colluding with Matip and appeared to bring down Danny Ings, Villa appealed for a late penalty, but the referee stopped the game.
Chelsea lucky’
There were a total of three penalties at Stamford Bridge as Rafinha pushed Leeds ahead of the spot in the first half. Mason Mount leveled for Chelsea before Rafinha conceded the hosts’ first penalty by knocking down Tony Rudiger.
Leeds thought they scored a point after teenage forward Joe Gellhardt climbed 2-2 off the bench in the 83rd minute, but Rudiger won Chelsea’s second penalty in injury time when fouled by Mateusz Klich. .
“We deserved to win but of course it’s lucky when you have a goal late in (injury) time,” said Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel. “But coming back twice is very impressive and I’m so glad we turned things around.”
Arsenal Drops AUBA
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta sacked captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang due to “disciplinary violations” and his team still scored three goals for the first time in seven league games.
Martin Odegaard netted for the third straight game when Alexandre Lacazette opened the scoring by ending a drifting team move in the 21st minute. Defender Gabriel finished third from a corner in the second half.
Ronaldo’s penalty in the 75th minute saw Ralph Rangnick secure his second consecutive win as United’s interim manager. It was Ronaldo’s 13th goal of the season and placed United in fifth place, alongside fourth-placed West Ham, who visit Burnley on Sunday. Arsenal are one point ahead of sixth.
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