Jesus treats Manchester City
Gabriel Jesus took the Etihad Stadium by surprise on Saturday with a crucial quadruple for Pep Guardiola's players, engaged in a distance duel with the Reds for the title.
The Brazilian, who arrived at the very start of the Guardiola era, in 2016, and who has long been seen as the possible successor to Sergio Agüero at the forefront of the attack, has thus scored four goals in 53 minutes after having scored just three in 1,455 minutes since the start of the league season...
He opened the scoring in the fourth minute, when a cross from Cancelo found him in a Watford defense that already knows they are unlikely to avoid relegation.
He was again on the receiving end of a cross from Kevin De Bruyne (23rd, 2-0), then awarded himself a penalty (49th, 4-1), before finishing a one-two with the Belgian ( 53rd, 5-1).
Manchester City's Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus, scorer of the 2nd goal against Watford, thanks Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, decisive passer, during the 34th day of the Premier League, April 23, 2022 at the Etihad Stadium Paul ELLIS AFP
This victory constitutes an ideal warm-up gallop for the Cityzens, before the reception of Real Madrid, Tuesday, in the semi-final first leg of the Champions League.
Arsenal confirm their return to form
This month of April will remain as one of all paradoxes for the Gunners.
Against Manchester United (3-1), they won their second convincing victory in three days after beating Chelsea at home (4-2).
Two victories against two members of the "Big Six" who contrast with their three previous defeats, in the first half of the month, against second-tier teams (Crystal Palace, Brighton and Southampton).
The joy of Arsenal's Portuguese defender Nuno Tavares, after opening the scoring against Manchester United, during the 34th day of the Premier League, April 23, 2022 at the Emirates Stadium Ian Kington IKIMAGES / AFP
Arsenal had two difficult quarters of an hour in each half, but Nuno Tavares' very quick opener (3rd) ensured that the Londoners never really lost control.
Bukayo Saka scored a penalty (32nd) then Granit Xhaka offered victory to Mikel Arteta's players with a splendid dry strike (70th).
Apart from Cristiano Ronaldo, author of the score reduction (34th) and involved in almost every hard-hitting offensive for his first appearance after the death of his baby, Manchester United was once again very messy.
Manchester United's Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo reduces the score against Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, during the 34th day of the Premier League, April 23, 2022 at the Emirates Stadium Glyn KIRK AFP
Without Harry Maguire by his side, Raphaël Varane never knew how to reassure his defense, with a series of off-beat climbs and catastrophic alignments, which Arsenal were able to take advantage of.
The Gunners, provisionally fourth with three points ahead of their north London rivals Tottenham, are back in the race for European places with five games to go, including two trips to neighbors West Ham (May 1 ) and especially at the Spurs (May 12).
Also note the disappointing draw of future potential opponents of Olympique de Marseille in the Europa League Conference, Leicester, ahead of Aston Villa (0-0).
The day continues at the end of the afternoon with the trip from Tottenham to Brentford (6.30 p.m.), while Liverpool will try to return to one point behind City on Sunday, receiving their neighbor Everton (5.30 p.m.).
© 2022 AFP