Saturday’s results in the Premier League could well prove to be crucial in the race for the title. Here are the big results from a big day of action in gameweek 20 of the English top-flight campaign:
Wolves stun Spurs at Wembley
Things seem to be going to plan for the home side when on 22 minutes, as captain Harry Kane smashed home a superb effort from 25 yards out after cutting in from the flank.
The home side decided to take a step back and defend their always dangerous one-goal lead. The decision not to go for the second goal proved decisive, as on 72 minutes centre-back Willy Boly beat everybody in the air to head home Joao Moutinho’s corner kick.
It got even better for the visitors with just seven minutes left on the clock. Ivan Cavaleiro found Raul Jimenez, who produced a good turn and finish past Hugo Lloris in the home goal.
Portuguese winger Helder Costa sealed the victory for the visitors on 87 minutes, latching onto a through-ball from Matt Doherty before beating Lloris.
The result was a superb one for the side from the Midlands, who moved up to seventh place in the Premier League table, just three points behind Manchester United, who play later today.
For Spurs, it was a potentially devastating blow to their dreams of winning the title this season, as the team from north London are now nine points behind league leaders Liverpool.
Liverpool blow away the Gunners
Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the table to nine points in the evening kick-off by blowing Arsenal away 5-1 at Anfield, with Brazilian striker Roberto Firmino grabbing a hat-trick.
Arsenal actually looked like making a game off it taking the lead on 11 minutes. Alex Iwobi’s cross found youngster Ainsley-Maitland Niles to made no mistake to beat Alisson in the home goal.
However, the lead lasted just three minutes, as Liverpool found their attacking rhythm in superb fashion. Firmino scored his first on 14 minutes scoring with a no-look finish into an empty net after Arsenal failed to clear from inside their own area.
The Brazilian doubled his tally just two minutes later, as he beat two Gunners defenders before firing into the bottom corner of Bernd Leno’s goal. The Reds made it three on 32 minutes, as Mohamed Salah found Sadio Mane in the centre of the area and the winger stroked the ball past Leno.
Jurgen Klopp’s side virtually sealed the game in first-half stoppage-time, as Salah scored from the penalty spot after Sokratis had fouled the Egyptian in the penalty area.
The home side completed the scoring on 65 minutes. Referee Michael Oliver adjudged that Sead Kolasinac had pushed Dejan Lovren in the penalty area and Firmino stepped up to complete his hat-trick with the resulting spot-kick.
The victory means that Liverpool are now red hot favourites to win the title after a very good festive period. Arsenal’s hopes of a quick return to the top four were damaged by an absolutely awful defensive display. Unai Emery’s team could slip five points behind fourth-place Chelsea later today if the Blues win at Crystal Palace.
Saturday’s other Premier League results
Brighton 1-0 Everton
Fulham 1-0 Huddersfield
Leicester 0-1 Cardiff
Watford 1-1 Newcastle
Is the Premier League title race all-but over?
