By Chris Sampson
- Stunning comeback for United in Manchester derby
- Saints win at Everton to increase pressure on Lampard
- Derby win sees Gunners stretch lead, Fulham pay the penalty as Magpies march on.
UK -The latest round of Premier League football saw some dramatic local derbies and some vital results at both ends of the table.
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Manchester United 2 Manchester City 1
Marcus Rashford kept up his stunning scoring streak to complete an incredible 2-1 comeback win for Manchester United over rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford. The result was a massive blow to City’s title challenge, but it might just give the red half of Manchester hope that they can launch one of their own.
City looked set to complete back-to-back derby doubles over United when Jack Grealish stepped off the bench to head the visitors in front from Kevin de Bruyne’s cross on the hour. However United staged a stirring recovery to send the home support wild.
The Red Devils drew level in controversial fashion with 12 minutes remaining as Bruno Fernandes scored despite the presence of Rashford in an offside position, City’s protests that he had interfered with play ignored despite the flag going up.
Rashford was at the centre of things again four minutes later. He swept home from substitute Alejandro Garnacho’s cross to move United to within one point of City, who finish the weekend eight points adrift of Arsenal.
It has been a bad week for Pep Guardiola’s side, with the Manchester derby loss following on from their defeat to Southampton in the EFL cup.
Erik ten Hag’s side have won nine in a row in all competitions and can close in on Arsenal when they go to the Emirates next weekend, after a trip to Crystal Palace on Wednesday. There is a feeling around Old Trafford that something special is happening under Ten Hag.
Everton 1 Southampton 2
Two goals from James Ward-Prowse saw Southampton come from behind to win and turn up the pressure on Frank Lampard and Everton. Another frustrating season has seen the Toffees again struggling at the wrong end of the table, much to the annoyance of the supporter. And the level of discontent among the fans was plain to see at Goodison Park, with banners displayed in protest at the club’s owners.
The fans, though, were clearly behind their players, giving them a rousing reception as they took the field. That support was rewarded just before half-time when, after a poor first half from both sides, Everton took the lead when Amadou Onana headed home Demarai Gray’s cross.
But Nathan Jones’s side, conquerors of Manchester City in Carabao Cup in midweek, turned the game on its head in the second half thanks to Ward-Prowse.
Great footwork in the box saw him slot in the equaliser and, after Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin hit the crossbar, Ward-Prowse secured a huge three points for the Saints with a trademark free-kick late on that left Jordan Pickford stranded. Ward-Prowse now has scored 16 free-kicks in the Premier League, two behind David Beckham’s record.
Southampton stay bottom of the table but are level with Everton and West Ham on 15 points and are just one point from safety.
Newcastle United 1 Fulham 0
Substitute Alexander Isak grabbed Newcastle a late 1-0 victory against Fulham after Aleksandar Mitrovic’s converted second-half penalty was ruled out after the striker made contact with the ball twice.
Isak headed home Callum Wilson’s pullback in the 89th minute to break Fulham hearts and spark raucous celebrations from the St James’ Park faithful.
However, it could have been so different for Fulham. They were awarded a 68th-minute penalty following a lengthy VAR review after Kieran Trippier’s challenge on Bobby Decordova-Reid just inside the penalty area. Mitrovic dispatched the spot-kick past Nick Pope, but he did so illegally having slipped and made contact with the ball twice, so referee Robert Jones disallowed the goal.
Fulham, who stay sixth, saw their five-game unbeaten run in all competitions come to an end. But it could prove to be a crucial win for Newcastle, who were heading for a third straight 0-0 draw in the league, as they move back into third ahead of Manchester United on goal difference.
Fulham deserve credit for their defensive organisation and for the danger they posed on the break. However, Newcastle had 20 shots, five on target and Eddie Howe will feel that his side deserved their victory. It has been another good week for the Magpies, who progressed to the semi-final of the EFL cup in midweek.
Tottenham Hotspur 0 Arsenal 2
Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to a formidable eight points with a great performance and win in the north London derby at Tottenham. Mikel Arteta’s side capitalised on Manchester City’s loss in the Manchester derby on Saturday with an impressive first half display. They then showed great resilience in the second half as Spurs attempted to get back into the game.
Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris fumbled Bukayo Saka’s cross into his own net after 14 minutes to give the Gunners a deserved lead. Captain Martin Odegaard drilled in a second from outside the area nine minutes before the interval.
Spurs, despite a disappointing performance, had their chances but found visiting keeper Aaron Ramsdale in top form as he saved twice either side of half-time from Harry Kane and also stopped Ryan Sessegnon’s angled effort.
Gunners out in front, European race hots up, tense relegation battle ahead.
Elsewhere there were wins for Aston Villa, Brighton, Nottingham Forest, Brentford, Chelsea and Leeds. Arsenal lead the table by eight points from Manchester City. Newcastle are third, a further point back with Manchester United in fourth on goal difference. The Magpies have played a game more that the other sides in the top four. Tottenham are in fifth, five points back, with Fulham in sixth and Brighton in seventh.
The bottom of the table is extremely tight. The bottom three, West Ham (18th), Everton (19th) and Southampton (20th) are all on 15 points, with 17th placed Bournemouth on 16 points. Three teams Leeds (14th), Leicester (15th) and Wolves (16th) are one point better off.
Crystal Palace host Manchester United on Wednesday January 18, while Tottenham Hotspur travel to Manchester City on Thursday January 19. Matchweek 21 will take place between Saturday January 21 and Monday January 23.
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