By Robert Wheeler
- Manchester City defeated Leeds United 2-1
- Arsenal closed the gap by beating Newcastle
- West Ham United shock Manchester United
UK – On the coronation weekend it was Manchester City who took another step to being crowned the Premier League champions this year.
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City close to being crowned
On paper, this looked like it should be a straightforward victory for the league leaders Manchester City. However, it had a nervy finish with Sam Allardyce issuing a late fightback in his first game in charge at Leeds United.
City raced into a two-goal lead thanks to a brace from Ilkay Gundogan where both strikes were assisted by Riyad Mahrez. Erling Haaland was having a surprisingly off day in front of goal but he did unselfishly let Gundogan take the penalty in the second half. Although, the German missed the chance at completing his hat-trick as his effort came back of the post.
Pep Guardiola was furious that Haaland did not take the spot kick and it got worse for City when Rodrigo got one back for the visitors. There was a nervy final few minutes but Guardiola’s side managed to hold on to the 2-1 victory.
The Cityzens are now top of the division by just one point after Arsenal beat Newcastle. Leeds have dropped down to 19th and they face an uphill battle to survive with tough fixtures against Newcastle, West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur coming up.
Arsenal defeat Newcastle
Given the form of Newcastle United of late, this match likely could have seen the end of Arsenal’s title claim. However, Mikel Arteta‘s side managed to win 2-0 at St James’ Park to close the gap on Manchester City to just a point.
The Gunners started fairly slowly with Eddie Howe‘s side putting them under the cosh. Jacob Murphy hit the post in the very first minute and the Magpies thought they had a penalty when Bruno Guimaraes’ shot appeared to be handled by Jakub Kiwior. VAR has come under a lot of criticism this season but credit where credit was due, it did spot that the ball had actually hit Kiwior on the thigh and the spot-kick was overturned.
Martin Odegaard then fired Arsenal into the lead with a great strike from 25 yards. Both goalkeepers were in form, with Aaron Ramsdale denying Joe Willock and Nick Pope preventing Odegaard from doubling the Gunners’ lead.
Alexander Isak came close to an equaliser but his header came back off the woodwork. Ramsdale then made a remarkable save to deny Fabian Schar. Arsenal was next to come close, as Gabriel Martinelli‘s curling effort hit the crossbar. Martinelli then crossed the ball which was turned into his own net by Schar which sealed the victory.
West Ham shock United
Manchester United lost 1-0 to West Ham at the London Stadium, as Eric ten Hag‘s side missed out on valuable points in the race for a top-four spot. It was an important win for the Hammers, who now look all but safe in their fight to stay up.
Bruno Fernandes, Antony and Marcus Rashford all came close for United. However, their goalkeeper David de Gea made a horrendous error as he fumbled Said Benrahma‘s shot which trickled into the net.
Antony came close to equalising for the visitors but his effort hit the post. West Ham then should have been awarded a penalty after the ball was handled by Victor Lindelof but the referee and VAR both failed to award it.
Lucas Fabianski kept the Hammers in it by denying Rashford and Anthony Martial. David Moyes’ side were unlucky not to get their second as Michail Antonio‘s goal was softly disallowed for a foul on de Gea. As the full-time whistle went, the delight on Moyes’ face was not hidden, as he got one over his former side.
Predictions vs actual results:
| Rob’s prediction | Actual result |
| Man City 3-0 Leeds United | Man City 2-1 Leeds United |
| Arsenal 2-2 Newcastle | Arsenal 2-0 Newcastle |
| West Ham 0-2 Man United | West Ham 1-0 Man United |
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