Liverpool hold on to beat Chelsea in Premier League
Man Utd lose as Arsenal win against Aston Villa
Tuesday, 24 September 2019
LONDON, Sept 23 (AP): Liverpool showcased title credentials while exposing Chelsea's defensive frailties. Manchester United's deep flaws surfaced in defeat at West Ham. Arsenal demonstrated powers of perseverance against Aston Villa.
Within a few hours across London on Sunday, there was a snapshot of challenges and optimism for teams at the top of the Premier League, or with aspirations to be.
Liverpool restored its five-point lead over Manchester City by making it six wins out of six, overcoming Chelsea 2-1 by unpicking the Stamford Bridge hosts twice from set-pieces in the first half.
Trent Alexander-Arnold was teed up by Mohamed Salah's free kick to get the opener in the 14th minute. Roberto Firmino headed in Andy Robertson's cross on the half-hour after Cesar Azpilicueta's equalizer had been ruled out when the VAR spotted an earlier offside.
But Chelsea has now conceded 13 goals in the opening six league games under Frank Lampard, leaving the team 10 points behind a Liverpool side chasing a first English title since 1990.
Chelsea's plans were disrupted by two injury-enforced defensive changes in the first half with Andreas Christensen and Emerson Palmieri forced off.
Chelsea did pull one back in the 71st minute when N'Golo Kante was given space to twist through the defense. Many might have been expecting him to release the ball to an opponent, but the Frenchman struck the ball into the top of the net.
Not only did Manchester United lose 2-0 at West Ham but striker Marcus Rashford limped off in the second half with a groin problem.