Marcus Rashford in the Carabao Cup semi-final between Manchester United and Manchester City, 2020
Marcus Rashford in the Carabao Cup semi-final between Manchester United and Manchester City, 2020 | (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)

Football | Premier League 2023 | Matchweek 23 | Round-up

By Chris Sampson

  • Arsenal held by Brentford
  • Rashford on target to boost Red Devils, City close gap with Villa victory
  • Reds triumph in Merseyside derby
UK -The latest round of Premier League fixtures saw some important results, another managerial casualty and some exciting football.

 

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Arsenal 1 Brentford 1

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Arsenal again dropped points as an Ivan Toney header earned Brentford a deserved point at the Emirates.

Mikel Arteta’s side had looked set to bounce back from their defeat at Everton last week when Leandro Trossard broke the deadlock on 66 minutes. The Belgian international turned Bukayo Saka’s low cross in four minutes after coming off the bench.

Brentford had seen Rico Henry miss a golden early opportunity before Toney hit the crossbar in an impressive first-half performance which should have seen the visitors in front at half-time.

However, Thomas Frank’s side kept plugging away and eventually restored parity through Toney, who headed home from close-range. The goal was hotly disputed by the Gunners, who believed that Ethan Pinnock was blocking Gabriel when standing in an offside position.

Arsenal were forced to settle for a point. Wednesday sees them host second placed Manchester City, with the gap down to three points.

Leeds United 0 Manchester United 2

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Two goals in the final 10 minutes saw Manchester United claim victory at Elland Road to boost their Champions League credentials and leave their Roses rivals deep in relegation trouble.

Five days previously Marcus Rashford had found the net to start Erik ten Hag’s side’s comeback against the same opponents at Old Trafford. The Red Devils had found themselves 2-0 down before rescuing a point in a pulsating match. And it was Rashford who broke the deadlock this time round, heading home Luke Shaw’s cross on 80 minutes for his 21st goal of the season. Substitute Alejandro Garnacho then raced through to finish at the near post on 85 minutes.

Managerless Leeds had once again put in a spirited display, and fashioned a number of opportunities, but could not find a way past David de Gea. And while it can be argued that the result was harsh on Leeds, it was the visitors who had the extra class and composure to take the three points.

Liverpool 2 Everton 0

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Goals from Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo gave Liverpool victory over Everton in the Merseyside derby at Anfield. As well as claiming bragging rights, the win is the Red’s first league success in 2023.

Everton manager Sean Dyche had his team well set up and the visitors largely contained Liverpool during the first half. However, after going close to scoring, the Toffees were hit by a sucker punch on 36 minutes.

James Tarkowski, on target in Everton’s win over Arsenal, again proved to be a set-piece threat. The former Burnley defender saw his header come back off a post. But as the ball was cleared Liverpool initiated a devastating counterattack. Darwin Nunez raced clear, before squaring to Salah who applied the finish. Jordan Pickford may, in retrospect, question his positioning.

Any hopes of an Everton revival were quashed four minutes after the interval. Another quick break saw Trent Alexander-Arnold cross for Gakpo to tap in his first goal since arriving at Anfield in January.

Liverpool saw the game out. They may not have been at their best but there were suggestions that better days are around the corner. Salah looked lively and 18-year-old Stefan Bajcetic impressed in midfield. Jurgen Klopp will be hoping that his side can use this momentum to climb the table. There is also the little matter of a Champions League last 16 tie against Real Madrid.

Dyche, meanwhile will be under no illusions about the size of his task. Everton remain in the relegation zone and there is a huge amount of work to do if they are to move away from danger.

City sweep past Villa, Magpies held, 10 man Wolves see off Saints

Manchester City set up an intriguing top of the table clash against Arsenal on Wednesday with a 3-1 success at home to Aston Villa. The Citizens are now just three points adrift of the leaders. Newcastle United extended their unbeaten run in the Premier League to 17 matches with a draw at Bournemouth. Magpies manager Eddie Howe, returning to his old club, was given a fantastic ovation by the home fans. Wolves came from behind to beat Southampton at St Mary’s, despite being reduced to 10 men. Southampton’s board responded by relieving manager Nathan Jones of his duties after less than 100 days in charge. Brighton gained another point in their push for Europe with a draw at Crystal Palace. Fulham beat Nottingham Forest to sustain their own European challenge, while Tottenham’s Champions League qualification hopes suffered a blow with a 4-1 defeat at Leicester.

There is Premier League action in midweek as the top two, Arsenal and Manchester City, face-off in a crucial clash at the Emirates.