Liverpool moved to the top of the Premier League standings after Mohamed Salah led them to a crucial win over Brighton.
Arsenal lost their first position after a tough draw with Manchester City, and Manchester United are seeing their chances of finishing in the top four decrease.
Here are three topics of conversation from the weekend’s games:
Arsenal’s newfound toughness against Man City
Although Arsenal didn't win on Sunday, they demonstrated the progress they've made under Mikel Arteta by preventing Manchester City from scoring at home for the first time in two years.
Last season, Mikel Arteta’s team struggled in the title race, especially during a 4-1 loss to City at the Etihad Stadium.
Before this, the Gunners had lost their last eight away matches against City.
However, they have now stayed undefeated in three encounters with the English champions this season, winning the reverse fixture 1-0 in October and securing the Community Shield on penalties.
Arsenal has the best defensive record in the Premier League, and City had very few clear chances despite having 72 percent of the possession.
It was a frustrating day for Pep Guardiola’s team, who are aiming for a second successive treble but are now three points behind Liverpool and one behind Arsenal with nine games remaining.
Salah compensates for missed opportunities
Jurgen Klopp was always confident that Mohamed Salah would be the match-winner for Liverpool, and he proved it with the crucial goal in Sunday’s 2-1 win against Brighton.
Salah missed several opportunities during the game at Anfield, and Liverpool fell behind to Danny Welbeck’s goal after 85 seconds.
Luis Diaz’s goal from Salah’s header equalized for Liverpool before half-time.
Salah attempted to score 12 times, his highest in a Premier League match and a record for a Liverpool player in the competition.
This was also the highest number by any player in the top division since Zlatan Ibrahimovic over seven years ago.
As Salah continued to get opportunities, Reds manager Klopp kept his trust in him, and it paid off when Salah calmly converted Alexis Mac Allister’s pass in the 65th minute.
“Just imagine if Mo had converted all the chances in his career? That would be unbelievable, so it's completely okay,” Klopp commented after Liverpool moved two points ahead of Arsenal as the title race turned in Anfield's favor.
“But then, being calm in the crucial moment with the best chance we had from the best football we played, that's what makes a true goalscorer, so we are happy with everything.”
Onana supports Man Utd’s bid for the top four
Andre Onana believes Manchester United still have a chance to finish in the top four despite their 1-1 draw with Brentford on Saturday.
Mason Mount put United ahead against the run of play with his first goal for the club six minutes into stoppage time.
But United were shocked when Kristoffer Ajer scored from Ivan Toney’s pass three minutes later.
Erik ten Hag's team is now 11 points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa, with a game in hand, and eight points behind Tottenham in fifth as their hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League begin to fade.
United goalkeeper Onana is confident they have an opportunity, stating: “I feel unhappy because we are Manchester United. Everywhere we go, we must win. We lost this game in the end.
“I believe we will remain united because we did it in the last month. I wish we finish in the top four.
AFP
