NEW DELHI: Manchester City’s remarkable Premier League winning streak was abruptly ended on Saturday when they suffered their first league loss since December, falling 2-1 to Bournemouth. This shocking result was a part of an eventful day in English football, where Liverpool soared to the top of the rankings while Arsenal faltered.
The defending champions, City, had gone 32 games without losing in the league before losing to Aston Villa almost a year ago. But Bournemouth, who had lost 19 of their 21 prior meetings with City, took advantage of the chance to create history. The Cherries, led by Andoni Iraola, got off to a fast start. Antoine Semenyo put Bournemouth up early in the ninth minute by converting a fine cross from Milos Kerkez. As City found it difficult to match Bournemouth’s intensity, the home team extended their lead in the 64th minute thanks to a second goal from Evanilson, who was again assisted by Kerkez. City had a chance thanks to Josko Gvardiol’s late header, but the comeback was inadequate.
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After the game, Pep Guardiola said, “We’re dealing with a lot of injuries, and the balance felt off today.” “Bournemouth just had more drive and energy than the other team.” Arsenal’s ongoing problems, which included a close 1-0 loss to Newcastle at St. James’ Park, added to the loss. Anthony Gordon set up Alexander Isak’s goal in the 12th minute, which was the game-winning goal. Due to injuries, Arsenal was only able to get one shot on goal during the match. Mikel Arteta’s club had a great start to the season, but with just one point from their last three games, they are now seven points behind the leaders.
Liverpool, meanwhile, took advantage of their opponents’ bad luck by defeating Brighton in a grueling 2-1 comeback. Ferdi Kadioglu gave the Seagulls the lead early in the match, but Liverpool rallied late thanks to Arne Slot’s leadership. With a lucky looping cross in the 69th minute, Cody Gakpo tied the score, and minutes later, Mohamed Salah’s deft strike sealed the victory. With their eighth victory in ten games, Liverpool now holds a two-point lead in the table.
Elsewhere, Nottingham Forest climbed to third with a dominant 3-0 victory over West Ham, and Southampton registered their first league win of the season with a narrow 1-0 triumph over Everton. The day ended with a thrilling draw between Leicester and Ipswich, as Jordan Ayew’s stoppage-time equalizer denied Ipswich their first top-flight win since 2002.
In other news, Southampton won their first league game of the season with a close 1-0 victory over Everton, and Nottingham Forest moved up to third place with a commanding 3-0 victory over West Ham. Jordan Ayew’s equalizer in stoppage time denied Ipswich their first top-flight victory since 2002, and the day concluded in an exciting draw between Leicester and Ipswich.