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Erling Haaland remained goalless and luckless for City
Photo: Peter Powell / EPA
Liverpool FC defended their lead in the English Premier League with a win at Brentford FC. Coach Jürgen Klopp's team won clearly 4-1 (1-0) against the Londoners on Saturday. Shortly afterwards, pursuers Arsenal FC reduced the gap to the Reds to two points again with a 5-0 (2-0) win at Burnley FC. Third title rivals Manchester City, on the other hand, failed to draw 1-1 at home against Chelsea FC.
Darwin Núñez (35th minute), Alexis Mac Allister (55th), substitute Mohamed Salah (68th) - in the first game after his injury suffered at the Africa Cup of Nations - and Cody Gakpo (86th) scored for Liverpool's deserved victory. . On the Brentford side, Ivan Toney (75th) only briefly gave the hosts hope. “We controlled them as much as possible and we are happy about that,” said Klopp after the victory on TNT Sport.
Klopp is worried about injuries
The victory was marred by injury concerns. »We have mixed feelings. We lost some players for whom we don't know how serious it is," said Klopp. "It's not looking particularly good for anyone." Diogo Jota, goalscorer Núñez and Curtis Jones had to be replaced, and Jota was even taken off the pitch on a stretcher. The extent of the injuries was initially unclear on Saturday. Bitter for the leaders, who were already missing two top performers in Trent Alexander-Arnold and goalkeeper Alisson.
Arsenal won against the almost hopeless Burnley with goals from Martin Odegaard (4th), Bukayo Saka (41st/47th penalty) and Leandro Trossard (66th) as well as the German international Kai Havertz (78th). For the hosts, who are in serious danger of relegation and are coached by former HSV professional Vincent Kompany, it was the 18th defeat of the Premier League season with just three wins and four draws.
Late City equalizer
Manchester City only managed a 1-1 draw (0-1) in their home game against Chelsea FC, which has been so disappointing this season. Former City striker Raheem Sterling (42nd) gave Chelsea the lead shortly before half-time. In the second half, the hosts missed many good opportunities until Rodri (83') scored the deserved equalizer.
Man City couldn't manage any more despite their superiority. The defending champions are third in the table, four points behind leaders Liverpool, but have played a game less.
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