Premier League roundup: Liverpool and Arsenal losses may have handed City the title
The weekend’s Premier League action was full of shocks as both Liverpool and Arsenal lost at home – dropping critical points in the race to the title. It means Manchester City are now back at the top of the table.
It was a perfect weekend for reigning champions Manchester City, with Pep Guardiola’s side now two points clear of Arsenal who are ahead of third-placed Liverpool on goal difference.
Here are the key highlights from the English Premier League.
Gunners miss chance to go top of table
Arsenal 0-2 Aston Villa
Arsenal were left stunned after Aston Villa put on one heck of a performance at the Emirates Stadium – cementing their hopes of Champions League football next year.
The game started with high anticipation after Liverpool’s shock defeat to Crystal Palace and many felt this could be the turning point for the Gunners – and hopes heightened for their first Premier League title since 2003–04.
But the game started poorly for the home side, who were lucky to remain on level terms for so long.
Villa opened the scoring when Leon Bailey scored in the 84th minute and Ollie Watkins added a second in the 87th minute.
Arsenal were kept out in the first half thanks to goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who made a stunning save from Leandro Trossard.
Arsenal, they were handed the perfect opportunity to strengthen their chances for the title, but at the crucial moment, they fluffed their lines. Heavy expectations saw the Gunners produce one of their worst performances of the season – and can’t have any complaints.
Liverpool suffer shock defeat again
Liverpool 0-1 Crystal Palace
Liverpool’s hopes of winning the title suffered a huge blow as they fell to a 1-0 defeat by Crystal Palace – at Anfield.
After being 1-0 down at the break, Klopp’s men ramped up the pressure in the second half but just like in recent matches their finishes let them down. Even after a lacklustre first-half showing, Liverpool did more than enough to win the game but the crucial final touch deserted them.
It’s been a tough week for the Reds who headed into last Sunday’s match at Old Trafford two points clear at the top and favourites to win the Europa League.
A week on and both trophies appear to be slipping out of their grasp.
The defeat leaves Liverpool two points behind leaders Manchester City and level on points with Arsenal, who were beaten 2-0 by Aston Villa in Sunday’s late kick-off.
Man City thrash Luton to go to top
Manchester City 5-1 Luton Town
Last season’s treble winners Manchester City have returned to the top of the Premier League after a 5-1 thrashing of Luton Town – and with Liverpool and Arsenal dropping points.
City were expected to produce a dominant victory over struggling Luton Town.
City led after only 65 seconds at Etihad Stadium when Erling Haaland’s wayward volley hit Luton’s Daiki Hashioka before flying into the net. It took City more than an hour to double their lead through Mateo Kovacic’s sweet, rising strike from near the edge of the area.
Jeremy Doku, fouled by Fred Onyedinma, led to a penalty – converted by Haaland.
Doku went set up City’s fifth as he picked out Josko Gvardiol, who slammed a beauty into the top corner.
City are two points clear at the top whilst Luton remains in the relegation zone.
Premier League table as it stands
After a wild weekend of football action, here’s what the table currently looks like. Chelsea faces Everton on Monday 15/04, but other than that, you’re next Premier League games will be at the weekend.
