Arsenal extend lead, Marcus Rashford scores winner for Manchester United

Arsenal couldn’t have ended the year better.

The Gunners extended their Premier League lead to seven with a 4-2 victory in Brighton on Saturday. We saw his two closest challengers in Manchester City and Newcastle both dropping points earlier in the day.

Maybe it’s time to start believing in the existence of a team that hasn’t won a league title since the undefeated “Invincibles” in 2004.

“Of course, at the beginning of the season, if you ask if you want this[new year’s position]we’ll chew your hand,” Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka said just over a minute against Brighton. Scored his first goal in… “This is a great opportunity for us and a great place for us.”

read more:
* Two own goals from the Leicester defenders gave Liverpool a narrow victory in the English Premier League
* ‘History being made’: Saudi club Al Nasr sign Cristiano Ronaldo
* Erling Haaland set goalscoring record in Manchester City’s 3-1 victory over Leeds
* English Premier League: Marcus Rashford scores again as Manchester United cut down Nottingham Forest

Martin Odegaard and Eddie Nketiah also looked to have won easily with Arsenal leading 3-0 by the 47th minute, but it was an 89th-minute goal that ended Brighton’s resistance. A VAR check ruled out 4-3 for offside.

That helped Mikel Arteta’s side, when another goal from Erling Haaland wasn’t enough to prevent a brilliant equalizer from holding up a 1-1 draw at home with Everton. We were able to capitalize on City’s missteps early in the day. From Demarai Gray. Third-placed Newcastle also completed his sixth straight win with his 0–0 draw with Leeds.

Rashford wakes up

Manchester United manager Eric ten Hag’s decision to drop Marcus Rashford seemed to backfire as United struggled in attack, but the England forward was on after half-time. And, unlike Cristiano Ronaldo earlier in the season, he had no problem with the manager’s decisions.

“I’m a little late for the meeting. I overslept and overslept, but it can happen,” Rashford said. I understand that and I’m happy that we won the match anyway. I think we can draw a line under that and move on.

Ten Hag also seemed ready to move on, having rediscovered just how important Rashford is to the team’s attack.

“Everybody has to fit the standards and the rules. We have to deliver results. That’s what I expect on the pitch. He gave the right answer.” Ten Hag said of Rashford.

Rashford scored his 11th goal of the season after collecting the ball on the left before cutting inside to exchange passes with Bruno Fernandes, dribbling past two defenders and past goalkeeper Josesa. decided.

A rare quality for United as striker Anthony Martial and winger Anthony both struggled to make an impact. But after a dismal start to the season, United have lost just one of their last 15 games since a humiliating 3-6 derby defeat to Manchester City in October. there is And Ronaldo’s story has finally come to an end – the Portuguese star joined Saudi Arabia’s Al Nasr on Friday after being released by United in November – Ten Hag’s side are on track for a Champions League place. It looks like he’s ready to take on the challenge again.

“It’s the first time we’re in the top four,” Ten Hag said.

Fulham moved to seventh with a 2–1 win over Southampton, while Crystal Palace beat Bournemouth 2–0.

Host city

Haaland once again appeared to make a difference for City as Riyad Mahrez slalomed the area and turned back for the Norwegian striker.

However, Gray reacted to Everton when they dove into the area and held the ball, nearly sliding down in the process, curling a sublime effort inside the far post shortly after that time.

City manager Pep Guardiola said: “It’s always hard to lose points at home, but I always try to put in a good game and I’ve done that. They scored fantastic goals. , they congratulate me when I achieve it, but overall I did really well.”

Newcastle winning streak ends

Newcastle were on a six-game winning streak in the Premier League but were unable to find a way past Leeds goalkeeper Ilan Mesurier.

Defender Fabian Shah had the best chances but wasted three good chances as Leeds held tight to end a two-game losing streak.

Newcastle All-Whites striker Chris Wood also missed a good chance from Kieran Trippier’s cross. Merie saved Wood’s efforts.

“There was desire, there was quality but there was no finish.

Still, he called 2022 “a year of true progress” as the team battles for a top-four finish under new Saudi ownership.

“There are big challenges ahead, but we are looking forward to them,” Howe said.

Meanwhile, the Newcastle Chronicle saw Newcastle players McCallum Wilson and Bruno Guimares and Leeds keeper Mesurier split between both groups on the Gallowgate side of St James’ Park after the final whistle blew. He was warned after a brawl broke out between players.

Fulham Pip Saints

A late goal from João Parinha saw Fulham beat Southampton 2-1 to finish bottom of the Premier League.

James Ward-Prowse thought he scored his first point under Southampton’s new manager Nathan Jones after compensating for an own goal in the first half by equalizing from a free-kick in the 56th minute.

However, Parinha left Southampton on the back with a far-post header a minute later, despite Fulham’s top scorer Alexander Mitrovic missing an injury-time penalty.

The win moved Fulham ahead of West London rivals Chelsea and Brentford for seventh place.

It was Fulham’s first home game since the death of 1966 World Cup-winning full-back George Cohen, and former manager Roy Hodgson and Cohen’s son Anthony laid a wreath in tribute before the game. expressed his intention.

Additional reporting staff