Liverpool endured a rare stumble in their march to the title after a 3-2 loss at Fulham on Sunday, while Southampton suffered the earliest relegation in Premier League history when they were beaten 3-1 at Tottenham Hotspur.
Midfielder Alexis Mac Allister gave Liverpool an early lead before the Reds conceded three goals in 14 minutes. However, Fulham were determined to fight its wats back into the game
Forward Ryan Sessegnon then rifled home a superb first-time volley, after Curtis Jones failed to clear a cross to equalise for Fulham.
Forward Ryan Sessegnon (C) scores goal against Liverpool.
The host continued to push forward and were rewarded after a fine piece of play.
A series of mistakes from Andy Robertson allowed Super Eagles of Nigeria’s Alex Iwobi to score for Fulham as the league leaders were stunned.
Super Eagles of Nigeria and Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi (L) celebrates goal with teammate and countryman Calvin Bassey (R).
Rodrigo Muniz completed the turnaround, winning a second ball with a lovely first touch ahead of Virgil van Dijk, then producing a sublime finish through Caoimhin Kelleher’s legs. 3-1!!!
Liverpool substitute Luis Diaz poked home with nearly 20 minutes to play but Fulham held on for the victory and moved up to eighth with 48 points.
“It’s not often we concede three goals let alone in one game or 15 minutes. We could have prevented it… Conceding three goals like we did is not of the standards of Liverpool,” Slot said.
Fulham enjoyed a deserved win over Liverpool, capitalising on dreadful defending to boost their push for European football next season.
“Great win for us,” Fulham manager Marco Silva told Sky Sports. “Our first half was very, very good, in all aspects of the game.”
In the relentless downpour at the Etihad Stadium, Virgil van Dijk and Alisson stood resolute, their expressions unyielding. Their chest-thumping and fist-pumping gestures were not mere celebrations but declarations of intent, locking eyes with the Liverpool faithful to convey a singular message: the Premier League title is within reach.
Liverpool’s Commanding Position in the Premier League
This 2-0 triumph over Manchester City marks a pivotal moment in Liverpool’s campaign. Having previously bested the reigning champions at Anfield in December, any residual skepticism about their title aspirations has been emphatically quashed. An 11-point cushion atop the league standings speaks volumes, especially when juxtaposed against an Arsenal side that, while persistent, lacks the cutting edge to mount a genuine challenge.
Under the stewardship of Arne Slot, Liverpool exudes a palpable sense of purpose. This determination is epitomised by stalwarts like Alisson, Van Dijk, and the indomitable Mohamed Salah—players wholly engrossed in the pursuit of glory.
Mohamed Salah: The Relentless Force
Salah’s extraordinary season continues unabated. Netting his 25th goal in 27 Premier League appearances, he also provided a deft assist for Dominik Szoboszlai’s strike. While his season highlights reel showcases mesmerising dribbles, incisive passes, and clinical finishes, it’s his unwavering consistency and focus that truly set him apart in this Premier League era.
Salah
When probed post-match about the proximity of the title, Salah’s response was measured: “I wouldn’t say it’s close. It’s just, like, we need another title for us—me and the big guys here in the team.” This hunger stems from a desire to replicate the 2020 league triumph, which, due to the pandemic, unfolded in the eerie silence of empty stadiums. For Salah and his teammates, lifting the Premier League trophy amidst the roar of their supporters has become an obsession.
Last Hurrah for the Veterans With Van Dijk at 33 and Salah at 32, both nearing the end of their contracts, this season carries added significance. Negotiations are ongoing, but their performances suggest a determination to seize the moment, playing each match as if it’s their swan song.
This veteran resolve has been instrumental in Liverpool’s ascendancy, especially in a season where rivals have faltered. Arsenal, beset by injuries and contentious officiating, have struggled to replicate past form. In contrast, Liverpool’s unwavering consistency has left competitors with scant hope.
After 27 matches, Liverpool boasts 67 points—outstripping Manchester City’s tally at the same juncture in their treble-winning 2022-23 campaign. Such dominance is rare, with only a handful of teams in Premier League history amassing more points at this stage.
European Endeavours and Domestic Focus
Liverpool’s prowess isn’t confined to domestic competitions. Topping their Champions League group with seven consecutive victories—including scalps like Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, and Milan—they’ve showcased their continental credentials. A surprising FA Cup exit to Plymouth Argyle was a blemish, but Slot’s lineup that day indicated a strategic prioritisation of other trophies, notably the upcoming Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United on March 16.
In the Premier League, their primary objective, Liverpool is on pace to breach the 90-point barrier. With 15 of their 19 away fixtures already navigated, the advantage of hosting seven of the remaining 11 matches at Anfield—where they’ve been formidable since 2017—cannot be overstated. Even with a potential dip in form, their current buffer affords a margin for error.
Arne Slot’s Measured Approach
Despite the favourable position, Slot remains cautious. “In every other league, a lead like this would be very comfortable,” he remarked post-match. “In this league, every single game gives you a lot of challenges.” This pragmatic outlook underscores the unpredictability of the Premier League, where complacency can be costly.
Liverpool’s recent fixtures have tested their mettle. A grueling sequence of five matches in 15 days included a contentious 2-2 draw in the Merseyside derby against Everton, a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, another 2-2 stalemate at Aston Villa, and the recent conquest of Manchester City. This demanding stretch concludes with a home clash against Newcastle, after which the schedule offers a brief respite—just one league match over the ensuing six weeks. This lull could prove advantageous as they gear up for the season’s climax.
Manchester City’s Struggles
Manchester City, languishing in fourth place, faces an uphill battle to secure Champions League qualification. Recent months have been unkind, with only Real Madrid (twice), Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, and now Liverpool handing them defeats. While diminished, City remains a formidable opponent, and overcoming them requires a performance of the highest calibre.
In their latest encounter, Liverpool showcased maturity, composure, and resilience—qualities that eluded Pep Guardiola’s side. City’s youthful wingers, Jeremy Doku and Savinho, frequently found themselves in promising positions but lacked the decisive final touch. Against a Liverpool defence marshalled by the imperious Van Dijk and the steadfast Ibrahima Konaté, perfection was a prerequisite.
Salah’s Tactical Mastery Salah’s dismantling of City’s defence was a masterclass in tactical acumen. Whether confronting the inexperienced duo of Abdukodir Khusanov and Rico Lewis or the seasoned Nathan Aké and Joško Gvardiol, Salah was a constant menace. Supported by the dynamic runs of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ryan Gravenberch, and Szoboszlai, he orchestrated attacks with surgical precision.
The opening goal, a product of a well-rehearsed set-piece, saw Salah capitalise on a clever corner routine. In his post-match interview the Egyptian star remained measured. “I wouldn’t say it’s close,” he told Sky Sports. “It’s just, like, we need another title for us — me and the big guys here in the team.” His hunger is unmistakable. Salah has openly expressed his desire to reclaim the Premier League title, particularly after the muted celebrations of 2020 when Liverpool’s first league triumph in three decades was overshadowed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
For Salah, this title is about more than silverware—it’s about legacy. And that desire has seeped into every fibre of this Liverpool squad.
Konate scores first Premier League goal; Salah secures victory with penalty
Liverpool moved to the top of the Premier League table after a 2-1 triumph over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux Stadium on Saturday. The Reds, under manager Arne Slot, now have 15 points from six matches, putting them one point ahead of both Manchester City and Arsenal. Meanwhile, Wolverhampton remains at the bottom of the table, with just one point to their name.
Konate and Salah Deliver for Liverpool
Defender Ibrahima Konate scored his first-ever Premier League goal in first-half injury time, heading in a precise cross from Diogo Jota. Konate’s goal gave Liverpool a crucial advantage going into the break, as they looked to assert their dominance at the top of the table.
Konate celebrates first EPL goal with style
However, Wolves capitalized on a momentary lapse from Konate to level the score in the 56th minute. The French defender misjudged a ball near the goal line, allowing Wolves’ Jorgen Strand Larsen to keep it in play. Rayan Aït-Nouri seized the opportunity, tapping in from close range to bring Wolves back into the game.
Just five minutes later, Liverpool responded. A foul by Wolves defender Nelson Semedo on Jota in the penalty area led to Mohamed Salah coolly converting from the spot, sending goalkeeper Sam Johnstone the wrong way. The goal put Liverpool back in front and silenced the Molineux crowd.
Slot Cautious Despite Top Spot
After the match, Liverpool manager Arne Slot was pleased but remained measured in his response to the early success.
“Feels good (to be top), you want to be up there but it doesn’t tell me that much at the moment,” Slot told *Sky Sports*. “If you look at Wolves, they are down in the table but played much better than that today. After 19 games, it’ll tell me something, but not after six.”
Gravenberch and Szoboszlai Shine for the Reds
Midfielder Ryan Gravenberch continued his strong start to the season, putting in an impressive display. After the game, the Dutchman spoke about his ambitions and his delight at the trust shown in him by Slot.
“I think a team like Liverpool has to be in the top four for sure; we keep pushing, we keep pushing, but it’s really early,” Gravenberch told *Sky Sports*. “This season I wanted to show myself again and I am really happy. He (Slot) put me in the starting 11 and gave me a lot of confidence.”
Dominik Szoboszlai, another standout performer for Liverpool, had a brilliant chance to score in the first half. However, his point-blank effort was denied by Johnstone after connecting with a cross from Andy Robertson.
Late Chances and Table Implications
Liverpool pressed for a third goal in the dying minutes of the match, with Konate narrowly missing another header from a corner and Curtis Jones having a low shot saved by Johnstone after a neat exchange with Salah.
Liverpool’s lead at the top of the table could be short-lived, as Aston Villa have the chance to join them on points on Sunday with a win at Ipswich Town. Villa trails Liverpool on goal difference, 10-3, but a victory would see them match the Reds’ point tally.
Chelsea secured a decisive victory against Brighton, marking a significant achievement in their recent Premier League campaign under new manager Enzo Maresca. The match, held at Stamford Bridge, showcased Chelsea’s offensive prowess, with the team continuing to build momentum in the league.
Impressive Record
Since Maresca took over, Chelsea has experienced a notable turnaround, achieving four wins, one draw, and one defeat. This strong performance has revitalized the team’s standings and instilled confidence among players and fans alike.
In just six matches, Chelsea has netted an impressive 15 goals. This offensive output highlights the effectiveness of Maresca’s tactics and the team’s ability to create scoring opportunities. The players have responded well to the new system, demonstrating both skill and determination on the pitch.
Looking Ahead
As Chelsea continues to adapt under Maresca’s leadership, the team aims to build on this momentum in the upcoming fixtures. The blend of fresh talent suggests a promising future for the club as they strive for higher positions in the league standings.
Manchester City Drops Points in Draw Against Newcastle
Stalemate with Newcastle
Manchester City faced a frustrating 1-1 draw against Newcastle United today, causing them to lose vital ground in the Premier League title race. The result leaves City with 14 points, a setback for the league leaders.
In contrast, Arsenal took full advantage of City’s slip-up, securing a convincing 4-2 victory over Leicester City. This win boosts Arsenal’s position in the standings, intensifying the competition at the top of the table.
Cole Palmer Makes Premier League History with Four First-Half Goals
Historic Achievement
Chelsea’s Cole Palmer made headlines today by becoming the first player in Premier League history to score four goals in a single first half. His remarkable performance came against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Enzo Maresca: “I know Cole Palmer from many years ago, I had him at Manchester City in the U23”, tells BBC.
“The best thing is the way he is as a human is the same way”.
“This doesn’t change his life and that is the best thing for him”.
Dominant First Half
Palmer’s four-goal feat showcased his exceptional talent and finishing ability, contributing significantly to Chelsea’s commanding lead. The stunning display not only highlights his potential but also cements his place in Premier League lore.
Impact on Chelsea’s Season
This historic achievement further emphasizes Chelsea’s offensive resurgence under manager Enzo Maresca, as the team continues to build momentum in the league. Palmer’s performance will undoubtedly be a focal point as Chelsea aims for continued success in the season ahead.
