Arsenal blew an opportunity to make up vital floor on Premier League leaders Liverpool on Saturday with a irritating draw at Brighton as Manchester Metropolis pummelled West Ham 4-1.
In-form Newcastle inflicted one other painful defeat on Ange Postecoglou’s struggling Tottenham and Chelsea’s latest woes continued with a 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, Premier League runners-up over the previous two seasons, travelled to the south coast looking a fourth straight league win within the night kick-off.
Seventeen-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, in for the injured Bukayo Saka, scored a first-half purpose to place them on the right track for a significant three factors.
However after being felled by an unintended headbutt from William Saliba, stand-in Seagulls captain Joao Pedro fired residence from the spot within the 61st minute.
The 1-1 draw means the second-placed Gunners are 5 factors behind Liverpool, having performed two video games extra, with Arne Slot’s in-form leaders internet hosting crisis-hit Manchester United on Sunday.
Arteta mentioned his crew had under-performed within the second half, failing to construct momentum, including that the penalty award was “weird”.
“We’re actually dissatisfied with the choice that results in the purpose as a result of I’ve by no means seen one thing like this in my life,” the Spaniard instructed the BBC.
“He (Saliba) touches the ball as effectively.”
– Metropolis turned nook? –
Manchester Metropolis’s win at residence in opposition to West Ham means they’ve now gained successive matches for the primary time since October and Pep Guardiola will hope they’re again on observe after a horror run of 1 victory in 13 video games in all competitions.
The defending champions took an early lead by a Vladimir Coufal personal purpose and two targets from Erling Haaland put Metropolis in complete command.
Phil Foden made it 4-0 earlier than Niclas Fullkrug grabbed a comfort for Julen Lopetegui’s males, who suffered a 5-0 mauling by Liverpool final week.
Regardless of their surprising run, sixth-placed Metropolis are simply two factors behind Chelsea, in fourth, however Guardiola mentioned his crew had been nonetheless not again within the groove.
“I am very happy for the consequence however you can’t ask me if the previous Metropolis is again,” he mentioned. “In the event you noticed the sport, we’re not.
“You noticed many instances through the years what we’ve carried out with the opponents.”
Within the early kick-off, Newcastle got here from behind to clinch a fifth straight Premier League win and heap extra distress on injury-hit Spurs.
The house aspect went forward within the fourth minute by Dominic Solanke.
Newcastle levelled two minutes later when Anthony Gordon arrowed an effort into the underside nook, however Postecoglou stood in disbelief on the touchline referee Andrew Madley after Joelinton intercepted Lucas Bergvall’s cross together with his hand within the build-up.
VAR deemed Joelinton’s arm to be in a pure place and the contact to be unintended.
In-form Alexander Isak scored what turned out to be the winner in direction of the tip of the primary interval.
The two-1 victory, watched by new England supervisor Thomas Tuchel, leaves Newcastle in fifth spot, which can but show sufficient to safe a spot within the Champions League subsequent season.
However Spurs have slumped to twelfth within the desk after 5 defeats in seven matches.
Postecoglou mentioned he was pleased with his gamers however was the “angriest I believe I’ve ever been in my profession”.
“I believe it is clear,” mentioned the Australian. “Now whether or not individuals agree with me or not whether or not it wasn’t handball or it was unintended, I am simply not all for any of that dialogue.
“I do know what everybody needs me to say, however all I will say is that on some other day, on a good and even taking part in floor, we’d have gained that sport. Easy as that.”
Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea had been respiration down Liverpool’s necks simply two weeks in the past however have taken simply two factors from 4 video games over the festive interval.
The prolific Cole Palmer gave the guests a first-half lead, however they may not capitalise on their possession and Jean-Philippe Mateta levelled within the 82nd minute.
Aston Villa beat relegation-threatened Leicester 2-1 at residence, with targets from Ross Barkley and Leon Bailey.
Brentford recorded their first league win on the street this season, smashing hapless Southampton 5-0, and Bournemouth beat Everton 1-0.
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