EPL Wrap: Liverpool Open Six-Point Lead, Villa Dent Arsenal’s Title Hopes

Liverpool won 2-0 at Brentford and held to a six-point Premier League lead after blowing a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 at Aston Villa on Saturday thanks to Darwin Nunez’s two goals in stoppage time.

When the much-criticized Uruguayan doubled his Premier League goalscoring total for the season in the final seconds in west London, Liverpool looked set to lose the series to Liverpool.

Nunez swept home Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cross before smashing in a second for a vital twist in the title race.

In midweek’s 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest, Liverpool almost let another two points slip away.

Slot was forced to turn to Nunez off the bench in a rare instance of Mohamed Salah’s quiet day, and he did so successfully.

The 25-year-old had not scored in the league since November, but he did so after a strong one-two between Alexander-Arnold and Harvey Elliott.

The second’s creator, Elliott, eluded Mark Flekken by cutting inside Nunez and firing past him.

“As a striker you get judged on goals, especially at a club like Liverpool”, said the Reds ‘ captain Virgil van Dijk. He “put his stamp on the game today.”

Liverpool also have a game in hand over injury-hit Arsenal, whose title challenge faltered once more at the Emirates.

Emi Martinez’ error prevented Gabriel Martinelli’s effort from crossing the line, giving the Gunners a deserved lead in the first half.

Martinez managed to get a little bit of a kick from Kai Havertz but was unable to keep it out in the second half.

Just when Mikel Arteta’s men seemed to be cruising, Villa hit back through Youri Tielemans ‘ header.

The Belgian midfielder then had a second chance to equalize for Villa.

Ollie Watkins cushioned in Matty Cash’s cross off the underside of the crossbar 22 minutes into the game.

Arsenal believed they had a late winner, but a VAR review determined that the goal was invalid after Mikel Merino’s effort fell off Havertz’s path.

READ ALSO: Kluivert Hat-Trick Helps Bournemouth Snap Newcastle’s Streak

Kluivert bursts Newcastle’s bubble&nbsp,

Bournemouth snapped Newcastle’s winning streak in stunning fashion as Justin Kluivert’s hat-trick fired the Cherries up to sixth.

The visitors, who are currently on an 11-game unbeaten streak, completely overpowered the Magpies, who were hoping to set a club record with a 10th consecutive victory in all competitions.

Kluivert, son of former Newcastle striker Patrick Kluivert, scored a hat-trick of penalties earlier this season at Wolves.

All three of his sharp finishes were made at St. James’ Park this time because Bournemouth was omnipresent.

Milos Kerkez added a fourth in stoppage time as Andoni Iraola’s men closed to within one point of fourth-placed Newcastle.

Kluivert claimed that the squad’s goal is to become European champions, but Bournemouth have never qualified for that position.

“Why not dream big and let’s see where we can end up”, said the Dutch international.

Leicester have lost seven Premier League games in a row, but Fulham’s 2-0 defeat brought Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side closer to a Championship comeback.

The visitors, who move up to ninth, had Emile Smith Rowe and Adama Traore on target.

Jean-Philippe Mateta scored twice to put Crystal Palace up 12th after a third win in four games against West Ham, who had a 2-0 lead.

The Hammers had a chance to climb after Mateta opened the scoring early in the second half before Konstantinos Mavropanos’ red card.

The Frenchman then scored the winning penalty late in the game.

Source: Channels TV