Liverpool go top as Manchester City, Arsenal stunned in Premier League

Manchester City’s 32-match unbeaten run in the Premier League came to an shuddering end in a 2-1 defeat at Bournemouth as Liverpool took full advantage. FULL EPL WRAP

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 02: Mohamed Salah of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Anfield on November 02, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

Manchester City’s 32-match unbeaten run in the Premier League came to an shuddering end in a 2-1 defeat at Bournemouth as Liverpool took full advantage to climb to the top of the table.

Pep Guardiola’s men had not lost in the league since their defeat to Aston Villa on December 6 last year but from the first moments on the south coast Andoni Iraola’s side looked a match for them.

The Cherries struck in each half through Antoine Semenyo and Evanilson to take a firm grip on the match.

It looked at times as though Bournemouth would run away from City. Marcus Tavernier struck a post at 2-0 to leave the visitors clinging on by their fingertips, before Josko Gvardiol set up a nervous finish when he headed in Ilkay Gundogan’s cross.

Guardiola said the champions were struggling with their lengthy injury list.

“It is what it is. We have few players with a lot of minutes and a lot of players with no minutes — the balance is a bit uncomfortable,” he told the BBC.

Pep Guardiola says Manchester City were struggling. Picture: AFP

“We played good against Spurs but today we could not handle their intensity that they had and that’s why we lost the game.”

A depleted City were beaten for the first time this season in any competition in the League Cup against Tottenham in midweek.

City are two points behind Liverpool, who came from behind to beat Brighton 2-1 at Anfield but third-placed Arsenal lost 1-0 at Newcastle.

SALAH STRIKE BEATS BRIGHTON TO TAKE LIVERPOOL TOP

Liverpool boss Arne Slot is “confident” his side can pose a serious title challenge after coming from behind to beat Brighton 2-1 to go top of the Premier League.

The Reds deservedly trailed at half-time to Ferdi Kadioglu’s sweet strike at Anfield.

But two quickfire goals from Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah punished Brighton for not making more of their first half superiority.

Mohamed Salah celebrates scoring Liverpool's second goal. Picture: AFP

A 13th win in 15 games in charge for Slot takes Liverpool two points clear of Manchester City, who were beaten 2-1 at Bournemouth.

“We were outplayed in the first half,” said Slot.

“We didn’t show up at all. The second half the players showed a different attitude and intensity. “If you face a team like this and are 1-0 down and can come back to a 2-1 win, which in my opinion was deserved, that gives me a lot of confidence. More than the position we are in.”

ARSENAL PREMIER LEAGUE HOPES HIT BY NEWCASTLE DEFEAT

Newcastle put a huge dent in Arsenal’s title aspirations on Saturday, winning 1-0 to give leaders Manchester City the chance to move eight points clear of the Gunners at the top of the Premier League.

Alexander Isak scored what proved to be the winning goal in the 12th minute, heading home Anthony Gordon’s pinpoint cross from the right.

Third-placed Arsenal struggled to get out of first gear and although they dominated possession, they produced just one shot on target in the entire game.

Alexander Isak celebrates after scoring for Newcastle. Picture: AFP

Mikel Arteta’s men have now picked up just one point in their past three games, with their title push quickly running out of steam.

If defending champions City win at Bournemouth later on Saturday they will be eight points clear of the Gunners. Liverpool, a point behind City, host Brighton at Anfield.

Arsenal have pushed Pep Guardiola’s City hard in each of the past two seasons and appeared to be well-equipped for another title challenge but the gap already looks alarmingly big.

“We didn’t find enough answers to a lot of the questions and situations that you have to resolve better,” Arteta told TNT Sports. “So I’m very frustrated.”

Originally published as Liverpool go top as Manchester City, Arsenal stunned in Premier League