Saturday’s games in the Premier League could prove pivotal in the race for the Premier League title, as Liverpool moved to the top of the table and reigning champions Manchester City suffered defeat. Here is what happened in Saturday’s games:
Salah produces attacking masterclass to beat Bournemouth
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah scored a hat-trick in a 4-0 win at Bournemouth in the Premier League kick-off, a victory that took the Merseysiders to the top of the table. They are now unbeaten in their last 17 Premier League games for the first time since 2008.
Jurgen Klopp’s team took the lead on 25 minutes, as Salah scored from close-range after Asmir Begovic had made a mess of an effort from Roberto Firmino. The goal was a controversial one, as Salah looked to be offside in the build-up to the goal.
Salah added his second early in the second half, as he held off a robust challenge from Steve Cook to fire past Begovic in the Cherries goal. Cook’s nightmare afternoon got even worse on 68 minutes, as he hooked Andy Robertson’s cross past his own goalkeeper.
Salah completed his hat-trick with 13 minutes left on the clock. The Egyptian beat Cook in a race rounded Begovic twice before poking past home for his 10th Premier League goal of the season.
The victory was an emphatic one in the end that gives the Reds the advantage in the title race, although they are still considered the second favourites to be crowned champions this season. Bournemouth have now lost five of their last six matches in the Premier League.
Chelsea end City’s unbeaten start
Chelsea recorded a 2-0 win over reigning champions Manchester City in the leagues evening game, ending their unbeaten start to the Premier League campaign.
The first half was tight with City as expected dominating possession. However, the Blues took the lead on the stroke of half-time. Eden Hazard dazzled the City defence and pulled the ball back to the oncoming N’Golo Kante, who smashed home a superb effort from around 15 yards out.
Chelsea looked stronger in the second period and City struggled to find their usual vibrant attacking play. The home side harried and hustled the visitors and confirmed the victory with 12 minutes left on the clock, as David Luiz headed home from a Hazard corner to send the home fans wild.
The victory kept Chelsea in fourth spot, ahead of fifth place Arsenal only on goal difference. City dropped to second place in the table and now have a real fight on their hands to retain their top-flight crown.
Red Devils return to winning ways
United took just 13 minutes to take the lead, as Ashley Young curled home a superb effort. The Red Devils doubled their lead on 28, as Marcus Rashford found Juan Mata and the Spaniard fired past Sergio Rico in the home goal.
United’s third goal arrived on 42 minutes, as striker Romelu Lukaku scored from close-range after good work from Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard. The goal Lukaku’s first at Old Trafford in 997 minutes.
Fulham got a goal back on 67 minutes, Ander Herrera brought down Abdoulaye Kamara in the penalty area and the striker scored with the spot kick. Any Cottagers happiest at the goal was tempered just a minute later as midfielder Anguissa picked up a second yellow card for a foul on Marcus Rashford.
Rashford finally got on the scoresheet with eight minutes left on the clock, firing an effort past Rico at his near post, which the Fulham goalkeeper could have done better with the effort.
The win moved United up to sixth place, but the Red Devils could drop in the table if Everton beat Watford on Monday night. Fulham remain bottom of the table, three points away from safety.
Saturday’s other Premier League results
Arsenal 1-0 Huddersfield
Burnley 1-0 Brighton
Cardiff 1-0 Southampton
West Ham 3-2 Crystal Palace
Leicester 0-2 Tottenham
Who recorded the result of the day in Saturday’s Premier League games?
