Erling Haaland had a bad day. © ANSA / PETER POWELL

No winner in the top game: Liverpool are now ahead

Liverpool moved to the top of the table in the thrilling three-way battle for the English football championship on Easter Sunday with a win against Brighton & Hove Albion.

March 31, 2024

From: dpa

Coach Jürgen Klopp's “Reds” deservedly won 2-1 despite an early deficit. There was no winner in the big hit between the two other title candidates: Manchester City and Arsenal played a goalless draw at the Etihad Stadium. This puts Arsenal two points behind Liverpool and Man City one.

Manchester had the advantage in terms of play in front of their own fans, which was reflected in their 70 percent possession of the ball. City were also ahead in terms of shots on goal, although there were no top-class chances. But the guests fought back and deservedly took a point with them to London. Arsenal have now been unbeaten in nine Premier League games (eight wins). City failed to score at home for the first time this season.

The best chances for the “Gunners” fell to Gabriel Jesus, who put two shots wide of the goal in the first half and then narrowly missed a good cross from Bukayo Saka. City's best opportunity came from a Kevin De Bruyne corner that bounced off Nathan Ake's shoulder - Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya ultimately had the situation under control.

Liverpool wins

At Anfield, Brighton and their Italian coach Roberto De Zerbi got off to a lightning start in the second minute thanks to Danny Welbeck. Liverpool subsequently created a number of chances, Luis Diaz's equalizer (27th) from close range was the logical consequence.

Jurgen Klopp beats Roberto De Zerbi. © APA/afp / PAUL ELLIS

While Brighton also had dangerous chances at times, Liverpool dominated the action. In the 65th minute it was superstar Mohamed Salah who turned the game in favor of the hosts. Shortly afterwards, another goal from Diaz was rightly disallowed due to an offside position (71').