The action in Saturday’s Premier League was full of drama, quality and vital wins for teams at the top and bottom of the table. Here is what happened in Saturday’s crucial clashes.
Citizens stroll to victory at Fulham
City dominated the first half having a total of 18 shots on Fulham’s goal, a record this season for an away side in the top-flight. One of those shots saw the Citizens take the lead after just five minutes through the imperious Bernardo Silva.
An error from Timothy-Fosu Mensah gifted Sergio Aguero the chance to find Silva, who from 20 yards out found the bottom left-hand corner of Sergio Rico’s goal. Aguero was in an offside position when Silva struck, obstructing Rico’s view of the effort.
City had other chances through Ilkay Gundogan and Raheem Sterling but failed to extend their lead until 27 minutes into the game. Bernardo Silva was involved again playing in Aguero, who somehow beat Rico from six yards out.
City continued to control the game, as Sterling saw a penalty area turned down after a challenge from Fosu-Mensah, while Gundogan fired just wide from 20 yards out. Rico also tipped away a curling effort from Sterling in the early stages of the second period.
Aguero lasted just 57 minutes, as the Argentinian was substituted as a precaution after picking up a slight knock. Kyle Walker hit the post from 12 yards, as City continued to control the game against the seemingly doomed home side.
The victory moves City back above Liverpool by a point. The Reds can regain top spot with a victory later today, though. Meanwhile, Fulham are now 16 points from safety and one of the red-hot favourites to suffer relegation.
Saints record vital win at the Seagulls
Southampton recorded a potentially priceless 1-0 win at south coast rivals Brighton, a win which moved the Saints onto level points with the Seagulls.
The first half lacked any real clear-cut chances. However, Saints midfielder Stuart Armstrong did have a half-volley blocked well by a Bernardo slide-tackle just before half-time. At the other end of the pitch, Glenn Murray headed over the bar from an Anthony Knockaert cross.
Southampton should have taken the lead on the 43rd minute. Danny Ings teed up Nathan Redmond and the winger fired a low effort wide of goal. Southampton took the lead on 53 minutes.
Armstrong found Redmond who raced clear of the Brighton defence and found midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who showed great composure to slot the ball past Mat Ryan in the home goal.
Brighton Spanish full-back Martin Montoya smashed an effort against the bar before Davy Propper failed to get a proper connection on a chance from inside the area. The Dutch international claimed he had been fouled in the area, but referee Michael Oliver decided against pointing to the spot.
The home side failed to create much against the visitors, who produced a resolute defensive display. The victory means that the Saints are now five points clear of the relegation zone. However, 18th place Cardiff have a game in hand on Southampton. That game in hand is later today, as the Bluebirds host Chelsea at Cardiff City Stadium.
Saturday’s other Premier League results
Burnley 2-0 Wolves
Crystal Palace 2-0 Huddersfield
Leicester 2-0 Bournemouth
Manchester United 2-1 Watford
West Ham 0-2 Everton
Who recorded the victory of the day in Saturday’s gameweek 32 matches?
