Gameweek two of the Premier League campaign produced, drama, goals and controversy galore. Here is what happened in Saturday’s Premier League action:
Reds labour past Southampton after Adrian error
Liverpool recorded a 2-1 victory at Southampton to make it two wins out of two in the top-flight this season for Jurgen Klopp’s team.
The Reds struggled to make a breakthrough at St Marys. In fact, it took until first-half stoppage time for the visitors to open the scoring. The opened came from former Saints forward Sadio Mane, who curled home an effort from the edge of the Southampton box.
Liverpool produced a much better display in the second period. Mohamed Salah saw an effort saved by the legs of Angus Gunn before Klopp’s team doubled their lead on 71 minutes. Brazilian forward Roberto Firmino robbed Jan Bednarek of the ball before firing an effort across goal past Gunn. The visitors should have added to their lead through efforts from both Firmino and Andy Robertson.
However, it was the home side who struck next in rather comical circumstances. Spanish goalkeeper Adrian received a back pass, only to hit a clearance straight at former Liverpool start Danny Ings, with the ball rebounding into the net. Ings should have equalised late on, as the forward miss-hit an effort just yards out with the goal gaping and the visitor’s defence beaten. However, Liverpool held on to record a victory.
Champions denied late winner by VAR
Tottenham held Manchester City to a 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium after substitute Gabriel Jesus saw a stoppage-time goal ruled out by VAR.
Manchester City looked set to extend their Premier League winning run to 16 games when Raheem Sterling headed home on 20 minutes at the back post from a superb Kevin De Bruyne cross. However, the visitors equalised out of nowhere three minutes later. Erik Lamela picked up the ball from Tanguy Ndombele and fired a low effort 20 yards past Ederson.
City regained the lead ten minutes before the break. De Bruyne produced another superb cross and Sergio Aguero was on hand to score from a few yards out. Spurs were back on level terms on 56 minutes. Substitute Lucas Moura headed home from Lamela’s corner kick. City came close to equalising soon afterwards, as Portuguese midfielder Bernardo Silva hit the bar from 15 yards out.
With 15 minutes remaining City boss, Pep Guardiola replaced Aguero with Gabriel Jesus. The Argentinian reacted in an angry manner to the decision as he walked off the pitch. However, the decision from the former Barcelona looked to have paid off in stoppage-time, as Jesus fired home from eight yards in a congested area of the penalty area.
The home sides celebrations were cut short by referee Michael Oliver, as VAR had informed the official that City centre-back Aymeric Laporte had handled the ball inadvertently before Jesus had fired home. The decision seemed harsh on the home side. However, the decision applied the new law on handball.
City will be disappointed by not winning the game. However, they will know that some VAR decisions are likely to work in their favour later in the season. The Citizens are still the favourites to win the Premier League title this season.
Saturday’s other Premier League results
Arsenal 2-1 Burnley
Aston Villa 1-2 Bournemouth
Brighton 1-1 West Ham
Everton 1-0 Watford
Norwich 3-1 Newcastle
Who produced the result of the day in Saturday’s Premier League games?
