The English champions Manchester City have had to accept a setback in the fight to successfully defend their title. Coach Pep Guardiola’s team couldn’t get past a 1-1 (1-0) draw against Everton on Saturday. Goalscorer Erling Haaland gave the Citizens the lead in the 24th minute, but the guests managed to equalize through Demarai Gray (64th).
City start the new year in second place, but leaders Arsenal could extend their current four-point lead on New Year’s Eve. On Saturday night, the Londoners take on Brighton & Hove Albion.
Manchester United, on the other hand, kept up with the top thanks to Marcus Rashford. Coach Erik ten Hag’s team beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0 on Saturday after the English team player scored in the 76th minute. For ManUnited it was the fifth competitive win in a row.
Rashford initially only sat on the bench for disciplinary reasons, but was substituted on right at the start of the second half. “No further details, our rules. We’re concentrating on the game,” said the Dutchman ten Hag before the match and kept the reasons for his action to himself. Rashford’s supposed second goal in the final phase was disallowed after video evidence because he had touched the ball with his left hand.
Liverpool wins after their opponent’s own goal double
On Friday evening, sixth-placed Liverpool FC kept the pressure on the international ranks. Coach Jürgen Klopp’s team beat Leicester City 2-1 at home at Anfield – but without scoring a goal themselves.
Because after the early deficit by Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (4th), Belgian Wout Faes, who has only been with Leicester since September, probably experienced some of the worst minutes of his football career. The central defender scored an own goal in the 38th minute – and another in the 45th.
He stood there with outstretched arms and couldn’t believe it himself. According to data provider Opta, Faes is only the fourth player in the Premier League to have scored two own goals in a game.
