Liverpool surged into the Premier League’s top five with a commanding 5-2 victory over struggling West Ham United on Saturday, while Manchester City prepared to heap fresh pressure on leaders Arsenal in the title race.
Three first-half goals, all from set-pieces put Arne Slot’s side firmly in control at Anfield. Hugo Ekitike opened the scoring before Virgil van Dijk and Alexis Mac Allister extended the advantage, setting the hosts on course for a fourth straight win in all competitions.
Dutch pair Cody Gakpo and Jeremie Frimpong added further gloss after the interval. Yet despite the emphatic scoreline, the English champions were far from flawless and were twice exposed defensively as Tomas Soucek and Valentin Castellanos struck for the visitors, who threatened more in a lively second half.
The defeat leaves West Ham two points adrift of safety, dealing another setback to their survival hopes.
Top-five race intensifies
With English clubs excelling in Europe this season, a top-five finish is expected to secure Champions League qualification. Liverpool move three points clear of sixth-placed Chelsea, who face a daunting trip to Arsenal on Sunday.
City trail Arsenal by five points at the summit but have a game in hand. Pep Guardiola’s side, however, will be without leading scorer Erling Haaland for their visit to Leeds United due to a knee injury. Leeds present a stern test, having lost just twice in 16 matches across all competitions.
Brentford snatch dramatic win
Brentford dented Burnley’s faint survival hopes with a dramatic 4-3 triumph at Turf Moor.
The visitors raced into a 3-0 lead inside 34 minutes through Mikkel Damsgaard, Igor Thiago and Kevin Schade. Michael Kayode’s own goal offered Burnley a lifeline before the break, and second-half strikes from Jaidon Anthony and Zian Flemming hauled the hosts level.
Flemming appeared to have completed a remarkable comeback, only for VAR to rule his effort offside. Instead, Brentford had the final word as Damsgaard struck again in stoppage time. Burnley were then denied a last-gasp equaliser when Ashley Barnes’ 98th-minute effort was disallowed for handball after another VAR review.
Everton boost European bid
Everton strengthened their push for European qualification with an impressive 3-2 away win at Newcastle United.
The Toffees led three times at St James’ Park through Jarrod Branthwaite, Beto and Thierno Barry. Newcastle, now 12th, must look to their Champions League campaign including a showdown with FC Barcelona and an FA Cup fifth-round clash with Manchester City to salvage their season.
Everton may have struggled to settle into their new Hill Dickinson Stadium home, but only Arsenal have collected more away points this term as David Moyes’ men climb to eighth.
Earlier, AFC Bournemouth extended their unbeaten league run to eight matches after coming from behind to draw 1-1 with Sunderland Evanilson cancelled out Eliezer Mayenda’s opener in the lunchtime kick-off.
AFP
