Man City sticks to Arsenal, Man United wins Newcastle | foreign soccer

With three goals in the first half, Manchester City easily defeated the Birmingham club, although Erling Haaland had to come off at the break.

With 48 points, the defending champion is within reach of the Gunners (51), who they visit in three days, even if the Londoners have one game less on the clock.

Victim of a refereeing error recognized by the English authorities – the equalizer of Brentford (1-1), Saturday, should have been canceled by the VAR for offside – Arsenal will have to show character.

The Londoners will also have to react after three games without a win, including a defeat (1-0) precisely against City in the FA Cup.

After several wasted opportunities to put pressure on, including a defeat against Tottenham last week (1-0), Pep Guardiola’s men this time took the match by the right end, opening the scoring in the 4th minute by Rodri, on corner.

Usually a scorer, Haaland turned into a decisive passer for Ilkay Güdogan on the 2-0 (39th) before leaving with more or less good grace a penalty to Riyad Mahrez in additional time of the first act (3-0, 45 +1).

Treated to the break, the Norwegian did not return to play afterwards, but with a game that seemed folded and 72 hours from another that could be a major turning point in the season, it looks more like precaution than a real cause for concern.

Despite a reduction in Ollie Watkins’ score on the hour mark, City then mastered to preserve themselves ahead of a series of crucial fixtures on the domestic and continental scene.

Four days after being held in check at home by Leeds (2-2), Manchester United this time took the best by being solid and patient.

With 46 points, the Red Devils are five points ahead of Newcastle (4th, 41 pts), even if they have one more game.

Erik ten Hag’s men, generally dominating, had to wait before seeing Marcus Rashford, author of 9 goals over the last 10 days, finally break the lock with a measured deviation from the head which left no chance for Illan Meslier (0-1, 80th).

In the process, Wout Weghorst found Alejandro Garnacho in space and the young 18-year-old Spanish-Argentine nugget widened the gap with the flat of the right foot (0-2, 85th).

Leeds, still awaiting a long-term replacement for Jesse Marsch, nevertheless held up well, even forcing David de Gea into a few fine saves earlier in the match.

The Spaniard, who with this encounter became the first goalkeeper to reach 400 appearances in the Premier League, was thus vigilant on attempts by Patrick Bamford and Crysencio Summerville during the first act.

He also distinguished himself with parries in front of the same Summerville, in the 47th and 78th minutes, but United had the clearest chances.

At the very end of the first act, in quick succession, Bruno Fernandes, whose shot was deflected by Meslier with his foot, and the hip of Luke Ayling against his camp, almost opened the scoring for the Red Devils.

Shortly after the hour mark, it was Portuguese right-back Diogo Dalot who found the bar with a 17-meter shot that left Leeds’ French goalkeeper on his feet (63rd).

Before going to challenge Barcelona at Camp Nou in the Europa League on Thursday, Manchester United showed that they could be solid and effective despite the absences of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen.

Trossard scores his first goal for Arsenal, another misstep for the Gunners ahead of City clash