Manchester City defeated Leicester (3-1) on Saturday thanks to a brace from Norwegian Erling Haaland, putting pressure on Arsenal at the top of the Premier League and securing the Citizens’ tenth win in a row in all competitions, unlike Chelsea, who lost at home to Brighton & Hove Albion (1-2) before hosting Real Madrid.
Defender John Stones, on a pass from Rodri Hernandez, opened the scoring early at the Etihad Stadium. Haaland then scored a penalty and another goal to take advantage of an assist, the umpteenth, from Kevin De Bruyne. In less than half an hour, it was all over for a City side on a roll, who faltered in the second half, conceding Kelechi Iheanacho’s goal after a mistake from a corner.
Pep Guardiola’s team now has 70 points, occupying the second place and chasing the leader Arsenal (73 pts.). From the distant third position, Newcastle are a long way behind them (56 pts.) after a 3-0 defeat at Aston Villa (50 pts.).
Behind City are Brighton (49 pts) thanks to their come-from-behind victory at Stamford Bridge, who already seem to be banking everything this season on an unlikely Champions League triumph. To turn around their 2-0 first-leg deficit against Real Madrid, Chelsea will have to improve their image considerably.
Key players such as João Félix, Hakim Ziyech, Reece James, Mateo Kovacic and Mason Mount were given plenty of minutes of rest in Frank Lampard’s lineup. However, the less regulars were unable to hold on against Brighton after Conor Gallagher’s early goal.
–RESULTS AND SCHEDULE FOR THE 31TH DAY
-Saturday:
Aston Villa – Newcastle 3-0.
Chelsea – Brighton 1-2.
Everton – Fulham 1-3.
Southampton – Crystal Palace 0-2.
Tottenham – Bournemouth 2-3.
Wolves – Brentford 2-0.
Manchester City – Leicester 3-1.
Sunday:
West Ham – Arsenal.
Nottingham Forest – Manchester United.
-Monday;
Leeds United – Liverpool.
Source: (EUROPA PRESS)
