(Football news) It took no more than seven minutes for Manchester United to be a goal behind their neighbours Manchester City, this time it was Eric Bailly’s own goal as City’s mounting pressure got the better of the Ivorian whose attempt to stretch for the ball at the near post sent it flying past De Gea and into the back of United’s net. Manchester United haven’t kept a clean sheet at Old Trafford since March and Bailly’s own goal was the first in a derby fixture since Arthur Albiston scored one in March 1986.
Manchester United had next to no positives against the Premier League champions, David De Gea made five magnificent saves to ensure there isn’t another embarrassing scoreline against a bitter rival but was also partly responsible for Bernardo Silva’s second goal in the 45th minute. The 2-0 scoreline flatters Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team in an utterly dominant performance by the visitors in blue.
It was so comfortable for Man City that Pep Guardiola did not feel the need to make any substitutions while Man Utd introduced Sancho, Rashford, Telles and Van De Beek in the second half but they all failed to make any impact whatsoever. The match ended with Manchester United only having one shot on target and 32% possession at home, with only four touches in the opposition box compared to City’s 32. Despite jeers and boos being heard at Old Trafford, it’s unlikely the Manchester United hierarchy will dismiss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as there is no clear plan about replacements, an indication of the ineptitude of those in charge.
At Stamford Bridge, Premier League leaders Chelsea welcomed Burnley, hoping to extend their lead against rivals Liverpool and Man City. With Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner still sidelined due to injury, Kai Havertz played as a stand-in striker and the Blues created some early chances but were denied by Clarets goalkeeper Nick Pope. However, Havertz found the back of the net in the 32nd minute, heading home Reece James’ cross as Chelsea dominated 80% of possession in the first period. Chelsea’s wastefulness in front of goal came back to haunt them as Matěj Vydra scored the equalizer in the 79th minute to secure a priceless point for Burnley.
Arsenal moved into the top five of the Premier League with a 1-0 victory over Watford at the Emirates Stadium. Mikel Arteta’s 100th game in charge ended with an important three points as Emile Smith Rowe scored in his third Premier League game in a row to ensure the Gunners remain unbeaten in 10 games. The scoreline should have been more in Arsenal’s favor but Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang could not convert his penalty as it was stopped by Ben Foster 10 minutes before the break. Mikel Arteta’s team are just two points behind fourth placed Liverpool and three points above Manchester United in the Premier League.
In one of the most surprising results of the weekend, West Ham United ended Liverpool’s 25 game unbeaten run with a 3-2 win at the London Stadium and are now in 3rd position in the Premier League. The hosts took the lead in the 4th minute with Pablo Fornals’ corner hitting Alisson’s glove and going into the back of the net. Liverpool equalised in the 41st minute with a stunning freekick from Trent Alexander-Arnold but West Ham scored the second of the night through Fornals in the 67th minute to regain the lead. Kurt Zouma scored a third from Bowen’s corner in the 74th minute and the Hammers held on despite Liverpool substitute Divock Origi scoring his side's second goal in the 83rd minute. With this result, David Moyes’ team have won four straight matches and are only three points away from league leaders Chelsea.
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