Erling Haaland made his longed-for starting eleven comeback after two months – but his teammate Phil Foden became the goal hero at Manchester City on Monday evening (February 5th, 2024).
The English international soccer player scored all three goals in a 3-1 (1-1) win at Brentford FC, leading the champions to second place in the table. Team manager Jürgen Klopp and Liverpool FC, who lost the top game at Arsenal FC on Sunday 1:3, are now only two points away from the top.
Brentford led through Maupay
Furthermore, City still has one more game to play and the title is in their own hands. Last season, the Citizens lost both games against Brentford, and this time too the favorites got off to a false start at the Community Stadium: Frenchman Neal Maupay (21st) put the relegation candidates in the lead.
Foden equalized before the break in the third minute of stoppage time and added two more goals (53rd/70th). Haaland prepared the last goal. A stress reaction in his foot forced the Norwegian to take a long break.
Klopp protects his losers in the top game
Previously, coach Jürgen Klopp had the 1:3 defeat Liverpool FC against the Arsenal FC taken sportily. “In general it wasn’t our day, we weren’t good enough today. They scored goals and were a lot better than us. We have to play better, that’s clear”said the 56-year-old after the second defeat of the season and the first since last September Premier League.
The title race is completely open again
Arsenal, with German international Kai Havertz, made the title race in England exciting again with their success against the leaders and reduced the gap to Klopp’s team to two points.
Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz celebrate the goal for a 2-1 lead
Arsenal were clearly superior until shortly before half-time, but shortly before the break Liverpool unexpectedly equalized. After the break the match was more open. But a major misunderstanding between Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson and defense chief Virgil van Dijk initiated the defeat.
Fatal mistake by Virgil van Dijk
“I take full responsibility for the goal, I made the wrong decision. I should have just hit the ball away”said van Dijk.
The Dutch international saw his team very dominant at this point, “We had everything under control. And then the turning point comes because of the mistake“, said the 32-year-old and added: “Things like this haven’t happened too often in my career, it hurts.” The defeat was unnecessary in many respects.
In the end, Konaté also flies off the pitch
In the final phase, Liverpool also had to accept the yellow-red card for former Bundesliga professional Ibrahima Konaté (88th) after a foul on Havertz and conceded the third goal a little later.
“Whether it was a red card? I’m not sure. But even without it we lose 2-1 and only have one shot on goal”said Klopp and defended his players: “It just shows that the boys are human beings. Today we were truly human beings.”
Garnacho with a brace for United
Manchester United beat in the race for the international places West Ham United on Sunday clearly with 3:0 (1:0) and thus overtook the opponent in the table. United are now sixth with 38 points. Alejandro Garnacho (49th/84th) and Rasmus Hojlund (23rd). met for the “Red Devils“.
Werner as the initiator of both “Spurs” goals
Tottenham Hotspur has lost important points in the race for the Champions League places. On Saturday, with Timo Werner in the starting line-up, the Londoners only managed a 2-2 (1-1) draw against relegation-threatened FC despite taking the lead twice Everton.
The Brazilian Richarlison gave Tottenham the lead twice against his former club with a brace (4th/41st). Werner initiated both goals with the penultimate pass, and the national player was substituted after 86 minutes.
Everton equalized in added time
Jack Harrison equalized after half an hour. In the final phase the pressure of the “Toffees“Too, Jarrad Branthwaite (90+4) equalized deep in stoppage time.
Aston Villa passes Tottenham
Tottenham (44 points) lost fourth place in the table. Fourth is now Aston Villa (46 points). Villa won at the bottom Sheffield United clearly 5:0 (4:0). John McGinn (12th), Ollie Watkins (16th) and former Leverkusen player Leon Bailey (20th) took a 3-0 lead within eight minutes, Youri Tielemans increased ten minutes later. Alex Moreno (47th) brought the final point.
