Premier League: Liverpool come out on top after shock defeat to Manchester City and Arsenal collapse

Arne Slota’s Liverpool continued their dream start to the Premier League season by moving two points clear at the top of the table after a sensational victory over Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday 2 November. Manchester City suffered a shock defeat as Arsenal’s decline continued on a dramatic Saturday in the Premier League.

Liverpool’s rise to the top of the table was also facilitated by Manchester City’s unexpected defeat to Bournemouth. Manchester City, once one of the main contenders for the title, suffered their first league defeat in 11 months. This defeat, combined with Liverpool’s victory, gave the Reds a two-point lead at the top of the table.

The match against Brighton started off difficult for Liverpool. Ferdi Kadioglu put the visitors ahead in the 14th minute with an impressive strike. Georginio Rutter came close to doubling Brighton’s lead but a crucial save from Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher denied him the chance.

Despite the early setback, Liverpool managed to turn the game around in the second half. Cody Gakpo equalized in the 69th minute with a stray cross into the bottom corner, evading Darwin Nunez. The goal marked a significant shift in momentum and just three minutes later Mohamed Salah sealed the win with a trademark left-footed shot that beat Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.

CITY AND ARSENAL LOST, FOREST IMPRESSION

Meanwhile, Manchester City’s 32-game unbeaten run in the Premier League came to a surprise end with a 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday. Despite coach Pep Guardiola’s insistence that injuries are no excuse, the team’s injury crisis has had a significant impact on its performance. Key players such as Jack Grealish, Rodri, Oscar Bobb, Ruben Dias and John Stones were absent, while others such as Kyle Walker and Kevin De Bruyne returned from injury.

Bournemouth took advantage of City’s lack of intensity, with goals from Antoine Semenyo and Evanilson securing victory. Guardiola admitted his side could not match Bournemouth’s intensity, particularly in winning long balls and maintaining rhythm due to injuries.

At St James’ Park, Newcastle added to Arsenal’s woes. Arsenal only managed one shot on target early in the match, with Newcastle striker Alexander Isak’s early header proving the difference between the sides.

Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest won their third Premier League game in a row for the first time since 1999, defeating West Ham.

In-form striker Chris Wood gave his side the lead against West Ham, who were reduced to 10 men at the break when Edson Alvarez knocked out Anthony Elanga. Callum Hudson-Odoi doubled Forest’s lead after the break before Ola Aina’s third sent the City Ground fans into raptures. (According to Reuters)