The English Premier League (EPL) league table continues to get intense with each passing matchday. This past weekend produced some interesting results.
Man United 2-0 Wolves
Manchester United moved four points above fifth-placed Liverpool in the Premier League with just three games remaining following a comfortable 2-0 home win against Wolves. United’s performance will not live long in many memories but the hosts delivered in a must-win game, creating enough chances to ensure Wolves were second best throughout the contest and preventing their visitors from recording a single shot on target. The opening goal came from Anthony Martial in the 32nd minute when the forward swept into an empty net from Antony’s pass, before substitute Alejandro Garnacho returned from injury to seal the win in stoppage time. The result means Erik ten Hag’s side are closing on a Champions League spot and only trail third-placed Newcastle, who drew 2-2 at Leeds earlier on Saturday, on goal difference.
Everton 0-3 Man City
Ilkay Gundogan starred again for Manchester City, with two goals and an assist from the German helping his side to a 3-0 victory at Everton before Arsenal’s defeat at home to Brighton later on Sunday left Pep Guardiola’s side on the brink of Premier League glory. His first goal was breathtaking – a wonderful piece of skill to break Everton’s resistance on 37 minutes. Moments later he turned provider, crossing for Erling Haaland to head in with just his third touch of the match. Then came a wonderful Gundogan free-kick on 51 minutes to end the contest. It was some way to mark his 300th appearance for the club. The Premier League title is almost within touching distance now for City, who have won 11 in a row in this competition. But first, they must refocus their attentions on European matters, with the second leg of their Champions League semi-final with Real Madrid coming up at the Etihad on Wednesday.
Arsenal 0-3 Brighton
Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes suffered what will surely be a fatal blow on Sunday, with Brighton’s sensational 3-0 victory at the Emirates meaning Manchester City can be crowned champions next week. In a feisty encounter that simmered throughout, Julio Enciso struck the first blow when he nodded in Pervis Estupinan’s cross from just yards out after Jakub Kiwior went down when Evan Ferguson trod on his boot, which came off. The Seagulls then toyed with their hosts, who saw Mikel Arteta booked for dissent as they grew increasingly frustrated, and delivered the knockout punch when Deniz Undav punished former Brighton forward Leandro Trossard’s loose pass by lobbing Aaron Ramsdale. Estupinan then added a third when he followed up Ramsdale’s weak save by prodding home the rebound and sparking wild celebrations on the south coast – and in Manchester.
Other Results:
Leeds United 2-2 Newcastle
Southampton 0-2 Fulham
Chelsea 2-2 Nottingham Forest
Aston Villa 2-1 Tottenham
Crystal Palace 2-0 Bournemouth
Brentford 2-0 West Ham
Leicester 0-3 Liverpool
