Liverpool came from behind to beat struggling Sheffield United 2-1 and lead the Premier League with Everton on Saturday after Manchester City squandered more points in the upside-down English top division.
Previously, Manchester United and Chelsea had a damp stalemate at Old Trafford, leaving Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men in 15th place and without a home win this season.
Watch live coverage of every round of the 2020/21 EFL Championship with beIN Sports on Kayo. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial and start streaming right away>
New red fire against blades
1:30
Jürgen Klopp’s champions without the injured defensive talisman Virgil van Dijk are unbeaten in 62 home games of the Premier League in Anfield, but had to dig deep after an early penalty from Sander Berge.
Roberto Firmino brought them level with them just before the break and the home side overcame disappointment to see a bold Mohamed Salah goal offside to score the winner with a header from Diogo Jota.
The win at Anfield means the champions have 13 points, as does neighbors Everton who with a game in hand are still top of the table in terms of goal difference.
“I’m not surprised at all – you always have to work hard against Sheffield United,” said Klopp.
“It’s hard to take for (manager) Chris Wilder.
“The penalty wasn’t even a foul. There are so many different periods during a season that we had an injustice and had to leave.
“I love these games because you deserve all the rest. You deserve the easier games when everything goes to your liking on nights like this. “
Hammer’s acrobatic effort!
0:32
Fox Sports Sportmail gets the latest football news, highlights and analysis straight to your inbox. Join Now!!!
– City held –
In the opening game of the day, Phil Foden saved a 1-1 draw for City at the London Stadium. However, the disappointing result means Pep Guardiola’s side have only taken five points in their last four games.
The injured city without Fernandinho, Aymeric Laporte, Nathan Ake and Gabriel Jesus dominated possession but rarely found top gear against West Ham.
They are already five points behind Everton, who face Southampton on Sunday, and look more vulnerable than they have ever been since Guardiola’s first responsible season.
West Ham beat Mikhail Antonio in the first half with an excellent overhead kick from Vladimir Coufal’s cross.
Foden, who came on at half time, restored parity minutes later and coolly checked Joao Cancelo’s cross before shooting home.
But the guests couldn’t turn their dominance into goals. West Ham was indebted to Lukasz Fabianski, who scored some important late saves.
Hammers take points from the oomph
1:31
A frustrated Guardiola, whose side are 12th in the table, said City was struggling with injuries and a hectic schedule.
“I’d rather have results but we have to analyze where we are,” he said. “Lots of injuries, a lack of preparation, no recovery time and tough games that we’ve played so far.
“But the players gave everything on the pitch. Now let’s take a rest and think about the next game. “
Guardiola, who said Argentine striker Sergio Aguero, who only returned after a long hiatus last week, sustained a suspected hamstring injury.
Mad Maguire escapes punishment
0:36
– Cavani debut –
Edinson Cavani made his Manchester United debut against Chelsea but the teams canceled each other in a 0-0 draw at Old Trafford on a night of heavy rain.
United’s last two home games in the Premier League this season resulted in a 9-2 record against Crystal Palace and Tottenham.
Marcus Rashford almost broke the impasse but Cesar Azpilicueta had rejected a powerful penalty when Harry Maguire wrestled him on a Chelsea free kick.
The result means that for the first time since the 1972/73 season United have not won any of their first three home division games in one season.
Blues, Red Devils share the draw
1:29
“We miss the fans, I have to say,” Solskjaer told Sky Sports. “It’s the same for all teams, but I think everyone agrees that the lead is gone and I can’t wait to get the fans back.
“But I thought we were the closest to victory, we did not concede and stopped the home defeats.” Chelsea boss Frank Lampard felt his side had been denied a clear penalty, adding: “Maguire headlocked Azpilicueta.”
With goals from Jairo Riedewald and Wilfried Zaha in a 2-1 win for Crystal Palace, Fulham were sentenced to their fifth loss in six games.
Zaha helps Eagles boss Fulham
1:28
.
