London (AFP)

At 11 against 10 for 45 minutes, Liverpool could not overcome Chelsea (1-1) on Saturday during the third day of the English Championship, while City crushed Arsenal (5-0), red lantern of the championship.

The first big shock of the season, between the last two winners of the Champions League, kept all its promises in terms of intensity, despite still not optimal physical conditions at this stage of the season.

- Liverpool too short -

Carried by their public, who lived their first big shock at Anfield since receiving Atlético Madrid in March 2020, the Reds only really dominated their opponent during the first two quarters of an hour of each half, and without creating a sufficient number of opportunities.

The Blues took advantage of a slight drop in speed to get a corner and score at their first opportunity, on a knocked down header from Kai Havertz, who lobbed Alisson (22nd, 0-1).

The rest of the first period was complicated for the Reds, often threatened in counter-attack, in particular by the duo Mason Mount - Romelu Lukaku (26th, 35th).

Without really deserving it, they equalized in added time, following a series of attempts in front of goal, then a hand from Reece James as a last resort, excluded in stride.

Mohamed Salah immediately transformed his 17th penalty in 18 attempts (45th + 5, 1-1).

Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah against Chelsea, on August 28, 2021 in Liverpool Paul ELLIS AFP

Their pressure was very intense when they returned from the locker room, facing the Blues outnumbered and deprived of N'Golo Kanté, released at the break after receiving a blow and now uncertain for the next gathering of the France team.

Taking advantage of the fatigue of the Reds, Thomas Tuchel's players managed the numerical inferiority to get the point of the draw.

With seven points, Liverpool and Chelsea respectively occupy 2nd and 3rd place in the standings, behind West Ham, hung by Crystal Palace (2-2).

Tottenham will have the opportunity to take the lead on Sunday, should they win against Watford, as Manchester United travel to Wolverhampton.

- City blows up Arsenal -

Manchester City completed their second consecutive offensive festival (5-0) and sank Arsenal to a humiliating last place.

Manchester City striker Jack Grealish (r) wrestling with Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard on August 28, 2021 in Manchester Oli SCARFF AFP

Gündogan (7th), Ferran Torres (12th, 84th), Gabriel Jesus (43rd) and Rodri (53rd) scored the goals of the defending champion, also taking advantage of the early exclusion of Gunner Granit Xhaka (37th).

The failed transfer of Harry Kane, who preferred to stay at Tottenham, does not seem to have weighed in the least on the form of the Citizens, who had had the skin of Norwich on the same score a week before.

For the Gunners, this correction, and especially the last place with zero points after three matches, puts coach Mikel Arteta a little more in difficulty, after two first losses at Brentford (2-0) and against Chelsea (2- 0).

Will the international truce allow it to re-mobilize its workforce?

"I hope we can get some players back," he said at a press conference.

"It's time to reflect and to look at all of us in the mirror. We have to change the dynamic immediately," admitted the Spaniard.

The next meeting against Norwich, penultimate in the championship, will be crucial to start the season.

© 2021 AFP