By Robert Wheeler
- Arsenal dropped points against Newcastle
- Manchester City close the gap on the Gunners
- Heavy defeats for both Merseyside clubs
UK – Arsenal drew with Newcastle, whilst Manchester City beat Chelsea, which leaves just a five-point gap between them in the title race.
A stalemate between Arsenal and Newcastle
This match was built as the tie of the round, and although it was a feisty encounter, it failed to live up to the hype of a heavyweight clash between two of this season’s most impressive sides, as it finished 0-0.
Arsenal was the more dominant side, but their forward line led by Eddie Nketiah failed to capitalise on any of their chances.
There were nine yellow cards issued by referee Andy Madley in total. Even the managers could not behave themselves with Mikel Arteta and Eddie Howe involved in a touchline spat following a late penalty shout for the Gunners.
Arteta’s side would have been disappointed not to take three points, especially with a tough run of games to come. However, it is not a bad point for both sides, Newcastle remains third, whilst Arsenal stays top.
Manchester City close the gap on the Gunners
With Arsenal dropping points, Manchester City had the chance to edge closer to them in the title race. Pep Guardiola‘s side did exactly that, and their 1-0 win over Chelsea means that there is now just a five-point gap between them and the Gunners.
The match had been a cagey affair, with Graham Potter‘s side coming the closest when Carney Chukwuemeka struck the post in the first half.
Guardiola made some inspired substitutes in the 60th minute, bringing on Riyad Mahrez and Jack Grealish. The two players linked up just three minutes later for the winner, with Grealish sending in a low cross for Mahrez to finish from close range.
Whilst it was a big win for City, Chelsea is left in 10th place and ten points off the Champions League places. The West London side needs to start winning games soon, but with the injuries they have at the moment, it is not going to be easy.
Liverpool thrashed by Brentford
Brentford began 2023 with a fantastic 3-1 victory over Liverpool. It was a match the Bees dominated from the start, taking the lead in the 19th minute through an Ibrahima Konate own goal.
Moments after having a great finish ruled out for offside, Yoane Wissa headed in to double their advantage before half-time. Jurgen Klopp made three changes during the break, including hauling off star defender Virgil van Dijk.
Darwin Nunez who had missed a great chance in the first half thought he had halved the deficit, but his goal was ruled out for offside. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain got one back for the Reds, as he glanced in a sublime cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold.
However, the victory was sealed when Bryan Mbeumo showed great strength to hold off Konate, before slotting in their third. Thomas Frank‘s side is now unbeaten in their last six league games, and are just two points behind Liverpool.
Harry Kane scores twice in Spurs win
England captain Harry Kane has endured a torrid time recently, not only did he miss a crucial penalty against France in the World Cup but his Spurs side had not won a game since the Premier League restarted, until this week.
Kane’s two goals in Tottenham’s 4-0 victory over Crystal Palace will go a long way in helping the forward get over his World Cup heartbreak. The win will also boost their fans’ confidence in manager Antonio Conte remaining at the club.
Ivan Perisic sent in a cross early in the second half, which Kane nodded in to give Spurs the lead. Just five minutes later, Kane got another one as he played a one-two with Bryan Gil, before finishing into the bottom corner.
Matt Doherty got their next goal, as his left-footed shot just squeezed past Vicente Guaita. Kane then sent a long ball forward, which fell to Heung-Min Son who slotted in to complete the rout.
Everton thumped by Brighton
After a positive draw with Manchester City last time out, the pressure is back on Frank Lampard after his Everton side was defeated 4-1 by Brighton at Goodison Park.
The Seagulls were ahead at the break thanks to Kaoru Mitoma, who after a fantastic dribble, finished past Jordan Pickford. Early in the second half, the nightmare started for the Toffees, as they conceded three goals in just seven minutes.
Evan Ferguson fired in from close range to double their advantage. Then he turned provider, laying the ball off to Solly March, who fired in from the edge of the box. Pascal Gross made it four, as he latched onto a poor back-pass from Idrissa Gueye, before lobbing Pickford.
Everton got one back through a Demarai Gray penalty. However, it was not enough to spare the team from more boos from the supporters who had stayed until the end.
The next round of Premier League fixtures begins on Friday 13, and it could be an unlucky weekend for under-pressure managers.
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