By Robert Wheeler
- Man City win 3-0 against Everton
- Arsenal lose 3-0 to Brighton
- Leeds draw 2-2 with Newcastle
UK – On the weekend of Eurovision, Manchester City also hit the right notes in Liverpool as they defeated Everton to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League.
 |
Man City put one hand on the trophy
Manchester City are now just one win away from lifting the trophy. Pep Guardiola‘s side defeated Everton 3-0 and Arsenal slipped up against Brighton, which gives City a five-point lead at the top of the table. They also still have a game in hand, so we can safely say that the title will return to Manchester.
Ilkay Gundogan put City in front with a goal that would be suited to an exhibition match. The German controlled with his thigh with his back to the goal before flicking the ball past Jordan Pickford. Gundogan then crossed to Erling Haaland who headed in his 36th goal of the season.
The victory was secured when Gundogan curled in an exceptional free-kick in the second half. Guardiola then took off Gundogan and Haaland, resting them for the second leg of their Champions League semi-final with Real Madrid next Wednesday.
The Toffees remain just above the relegation zone with two games left to play. City at the opposite end of the table, can win the title if they defeat Chelsea next Sunday.
Arsenal slip up again
Arsenal surrendered their title challenge after Mikel Arteta‘s side lost 3-0 to Brighton at the Emirates. It has been an impressive campaign for the Gunners but it has so quickly unravelled and will ultimately end in disappointment.
Former Seagull, Leandro Trossard, came close to giving the home side the lead in the first half. However, his effort skimmed the top of the crossbar. Roberto De Zerbi‘s side then took the lead shortly after the break, through Julio Enciso‘s header.
A mix-up at the back led to Deniz Undav lobbing Aaron Ramsdale to double Brighton’s advantage late on. Pervis Estupinan then added insult to injury when he sealed the victory with a tap-in during added time.
Arteta was Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City but this season has shown that the apprentice is still not quite good enough to be the master. They will learn from this and come again next season, although it must be very hard to take. Brighton is now 6th in the division and is on course for playing in Europe for the first time next season.
Leeds claim a valuable point
Not many would have expected Leeds United to get anything against Champions League-chasing Newcastle United. However, Sam Allardyce managed to mastermind a draw against his former team, to keep his current one in with a chance at staying up.
After just seven minutes Leeds’ captain Luke Ayling gave his side a surprise lead with a tap-in. Patrick Bamford then had a chance to double their advantage but his penalty was saved by Nick Pope. Newcastle were then awarded a spot-kick, which Callum Wilson equalised from.
VAR then helped spotted a handball from Junior Firpo and the Magpies were awarded their second penalty. Wilson fired high this time to give his side the lead. Leeds did not give up, Rasmus Kristensen‘s volley was deflected in to make it 2-2. Despite Firpo being sent off late on, Allardyce’s held on to claim the draw.
On a weekend when Southampton were relegated, this could be the start of a great escape for Leeds. The result was disappointing for Eddie Howe‘s side but they remain in the hunt for a top-four place.
Predictions vs actual results:
| Rob’s prediction | Actual result |
| Everton 0-2 Manchester City | Everton 0-3 Manchester City |
| Arsenal 2-0 Brighton | Arsenal 0-3 Brighton |
| Leeds United 0-2 Newcastle | Leeds United 2-2 Newcastle |
| Follow Britwatch - Sport in General, Brits in Particular! | |
|---|---|
| Soundcloud | |
| YouTube | |
| We may receive compensation for products purchased via affiliate links on this website | |