Manchester City overcame the absence of star striker Erling Haaland to secure a narrow 1–0 victory over Leeds United on Saturday, moving within two points of Premier League leaders Arsenal.
Haaland missed the encounter in his birthplace due to a minor injury, which manager Pep Guardiola described as “not a big problem”.
City struggled to find their usual rhythm without the Norwegian forward but managed to grind out an important win against a Leeds side that had suffered only two defeats in their previous 16 matches.
Leeds nearly took an early lead but failed to capitalise on their strong opening spell when Dominic Calvert-Lewin missed a clear opportunity just minutes into the game.
Instead, January signing Antoine Semenyo proved decisive, scoring the only goal of the match — his sixth in 11 appearances since joining City.
“It was a huge victory to still be there (in the race),” Guardiola said after the game.
“One game at a time. Recover now and start the real season when there are many, many games and everyone’s tired.”
Tensions rose after the final whistle, with Leeds manager Daniel Farke sent off following a confrontation with referee Peter Bankes, while Guardiola also voiced frustration with officiating decisions.
The result piles pressure on Arsenal ahead of their crucial clash with Chelsea on Sunday.
Liverpool cruise past West Ham
At Anfield, Liverpool climbed into fifth place after a commanding 5–2 win against West Ham United.
Despite an uneven overall display, Liverpool’s renewed effectiveness from set-pieces proved decisive. First-half goals from Hugo Ekitike, Virgil van Dijk and Alexis Mac Allister — all from corners — handed the hosts firm control.
Manager Arne Slot acknowledged the improvement while admitting performances could still improve.
“In my opinion we have played better when we lost,” Slot said. “We start scoring from set-pieces and things start looking brighter and better than when you don’t.”
Cody Gakpo added another after the break, while an own goal from Axel Disasi completed Liverpool’s tally.
West Ham responded through Tomas Soucek and Valentin Castellanos but remain in the relegation zone, two points from safety.
Liverpool now sit three points ahead of sixth-placed Chelsea, with a top-five finish likely to guarantee UEFA Champions League qualification due to strong performances by English clubs in Europe this season.
Brentford snatch late victory
Brentford edged Burnley 4–3 in a dramatic encounter at Turf Moor.
Early goals from Mikkel Damsgaard, Igor Thiago and Kevin Schade put Brentford comfortably ahead before Burnley mounted a comeback aided by an own goal from Michael Kayode.
Goals from Jaidon Anthony and Zian Flemming drew the hosts level, but VAR ruled out what seemed a winning strike for offside.
Damsgaard eventually sealed victory deep into stoppage time, while another late VAR review denied Ashley Barnes an equaliser after a handball decision.
Everton boost European hopes
Everton strengthened their push for European qualification with a 3–2 away win over Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
Goals from Jarrad Branthwaite, Beto and Thierno Barry ensured victory for manager David Moyes’s side, who have been particularly impressive on the road this season.
Meanwhile, Bournemouth extended their unbeaten league run to eight matches after battling back to earn a 1–1 draw against Sunderland.
le Pressure on Arsenal as Liverpool Hit Five Past West Ham
Manchester City overcame the absence of star striker Erling Haaland to secure a narrow 1–0 victory over Leeds United on Saturday, moving within two points of Premier League leaders Arsenal.
Haaland missed the encounter in his birthplace due to a minor injury, which manager Pep Guardiola described as “not a big problem”.
City struggled to find their usual rhythm without the Norwegian forward but managed to grind out an important win against a Leeds side that had suffered only two defeats in their previous 16 matches.
Leeds nearly took an early lead but failed to capitalise on their strong opening spell when Dominic Calvert-Lewin missed a clear opportunity just minutes into the game.
Instead, January signing Antoine Semenyo proved decisive, scoring the only goal of the match — his sixth in 11 appearances since joining City.
“It was a huge victory to still be there (in the race),” Guardiola said after the game.
“One game at a time. Recover now and start the real season when there are many, many games and everyone’s tired.”
Tensions rose after the final whistle, with Leeds manager Daniel Farke sent off following a confrontation with referee Peter Bankes, while Guardiola also voiced frustration with officiating decisions.
The result piles pressure on Arsenal ahead of their crucial clash with Chelsea on Sunday.
Liverpool cruise past West Ham
At Anfield, Liverpool climbed into fifth place after a commanding 5–2 win against West Ham United.
Despite an uneven overall display, Liverpool’s renewed effectiveness from set-pieces proved decisive. First-half goals from Hugo Ekitike, Virgil van Dijk and Alexis Mac Allister — all from corners — handed the hosts firm control.
Manager Arne Slot acknowledged the improvement while admitting performances could still improve.
“In my opinion we have played better when we lost,” Slot said. “We start scoring from set-pieces and things start looking brighter and better than when you don’t.”
Cody Gakpo added another after the break, while an own goal from Axel Disasi completed Liverpool’s tally.
West Ham responded through Tomas Soucek and Valentin Castellanos but remain in the relegation zone, two points from safety.
Liverpool now sit three points ahead of sixth-placed Chelsea, with a top-five finish likely to guarantee UEFA Champions League qualification due to strong performances by English clubs in Europe this season.
Brentford snatch late victory
Brentford edged Burnley 4–3 in a dramatic encounter at Turf Moor.
Early goals from Mikkel Damsgaard, Igor Thiago and Kevin Schade put Brentford comfortably ahead before Burnley mounted a comeback aided by an own goal from Michael Kayode.
Goals from Jaidon Anthony and Zian Flemming drew the hosts level, but VAR ruled out what seemed a winning strike for offside.
Damsgaard eventually sealed victory deep into stoppage time, while another late VAR review denied Ashley Barnes an equaliser after a handball decision.
Everton boost European hopes
Everton strengthened their push for European qualification with a 3–2 away win over Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
Goals from Jarrad Branthwaite, Beto and Thierno Barry ensured victory for manager David Moyes’s side, who have been particularly impressive on the road this season.
Meanwhile, Bournemouth extended their unbeaten league run to eight matches after battling back to earn a 1–1 draw against Sunderland.
