Liverpool overcame a nerve-wracking finish to defeat nine-man Tottenham 2-1 yesterday, while Arsenal secured their place atop the Premier League at Christmas with a 1-0 victory against Everton.
After defeating West Ham 3-0 thanks to a double from Erling Haaland, Manchester City briefly took the lead in the standings, according to AFP.
Viktor Gyokeres’ penalty gave Arsenal a two-point lead again, but the team struggled to win on Merseyside.
At Hill Dickinson Stadium, it was a story of penalty appeals.
Just before they were given a penalty kick for a handball by Jake O’Brien, which the Swede converted, Arsenal had strong claims for a foul on Gyokeres waived away.
Everton was incensed after two challenges on Thierno Barry inside the area went unpunished, but Leandro Trossard and Martin Zubimendi scored goals for the visitors after halftime.
City won seven straight games across all competitions, putting more pressure on the Gunners.
Pep Guardiola, however, was far from content and insisted on changes if City were to win a seventh Premier League championship while he was in charge.
“I wish to be truthful. “Merry Christmas, everyone, but if we don’t get better, it won’t be enough,” I told the players.
After barely five minutes, Haaland’s goal sent the Hammers reeling.
Just before halftime, Tijjani Reijnders scored his first goal at the Etihad, and Haaland set up City for their second.
And 21 minutes from time, he scored his 38th goal of the season for both club and country, putting City one point ahead of Arsenal.
Isak was hurt.
To make Spurs manager Thomas Frank’s Christmas unpleasant, Liverpool extended their winning streak to six games.
The host squad had a mountain to climb after Xavi Simons’ risky push on Dutch international teammate Virgil van Dijk in the 33rd minute.
Alexander Isak began on the bench once more during the Africa Cup of Nations despite Mohamed Salah’s absence.
At halftime, Arne Slot unveiled the most costly Premier League player ever.
The Swede scored just his third goal since signing a £125 million contract with Liverpool in September, but he had to be substituted due to another injury setback.
Liverpool’s lead was doubled by Hugo Ekitike, who scored his fifth goal in three league games.
However, when Richarlison grabbed a goal back, Slot’s team continued to falter in the closing minutes.
In football, you always remember the final few minutes, and those were the worst of the entire game, Slot remarked. “It got really hectic and chaotic.”
Frank was under more pressure after suffering his fifth loss in nine home league games this season. Cristian Romero, the Dane’s captain, did not help either, as he was sent off needlessly in stoppage time.
Spurs remain trapped in 13th place, as Liverpool moves up to fifth.
After a second-half comeback saved manager Enzo Maresca from further rumours about his future, Chelsea is still ahead of the Reds in fourth place on goal differential.
Following last weekend’s victory over Everton, the Italian said he and his team had not gotten enough help amid a challenging run of results.
In recent days, Maresca has been suggested as Guardiola’s replacement at City.
Chelsea’s hopes of contending for a championship have waned since they have only triumphed once in their last five league games.
However, Nick Woltemade’s double put Newcastle ahead 2-0 in a dominant first half from the Magpies, making things much worse for Maresca.
The Blues were back in the game thanks to a fantastic free-kick from Reece James, and Joao Pedro equalized the score when Malick Thiaw made a mistake.
Following a 2-0 loss to Brentford at home, Wolves are still without a league victory this season and are on track to become the worst team in Premier League history.
Burnley’s seven-game losing streak came to an end as Armando Broja’s goal in the 90th minute secured a 1-1 draw at Bournemouth.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored twice as Leeds defeated Crystal Palace 4-1, moving them six points clear of the bottom three.
After a 0-0 draw at Brighton, Sunderland moved up to sixth place.
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