Unbeatable Liverpool extends Premier League dominance with quirky corner-kick magic
The Reds continue their streak with a thrilling 2-0 victory over Sheffield United, thanks to Trent Alexander-Arnold's unusual pre-corner ritual and Victor van Dijk's dominant finish.
It was an evening full of excitement as Liverpool continued their relentless march towards the Premier League title. The Reds dominated the game from the outset, with Sheffield United only threatening on rare counterattacks.
The turning point came during Liverpool's seventh corner-kick. The scene was unexpected, as Trent Alexander-Arnold dropped his pants momentarily, exposing more than intended to the astonished crowd. But the burst of energy that followed proved to be contagious. Alexander-Arnold delivered an accurate cross, and Victor van Dijk volleyed the ball into the back of the net (37'), giving Liverpool the first lead of the match.
The game wrapped up in stoppage time, as former RB Leipzig star Dominik Szoboszlai sealed the win for Liverpool with a stunning 90.+4-minute strike (2-0).
This victory marked another defeat for Sheffield United, who are now struggling in the league with just five points from 15 games. Paul Heckingbottom's replacement? None other than former boss Chris Wilder!
Aston Villa ousts Manchester City
The Skyblues' title chase suffers a blow as Aston Villa snatches a 1-0 victory. It was a defensive miscue that cost City, as defender Ruben Dias inadvertently directed Bailey's shot into his own net (74').
Villa fans witnessed an intriguing first half, with their team showcasing impressive resilience against the visitors. Yet, they couldn't maintain their grip on the ball, and Manchester City continued to struggle despite poor form.
The tipping point arrived in the 74th minute. Bailey took advantage of a deflection off Dias, scoring his first goal for Aston Villa, seeming to turn the tide of the game.
Manchester City's title hopes were dealt a significant blow, as they now trail behind Aston Villa by two points, while lingering in third place.
Manchester United overcomes Chelsea F.C.
The Red Devils secure a much-needed 2-1 win over Chelsea F.C., hoping to revitalize their faltering season.
Manchester United's recent stretch has been tough: battling for Champions League survival and struggling to maintain a respectable position in the league.
Captain Bruno Fernandes stepped up under pressure, earning a penalty due to Chelsea's Fernandez's foul on Antony (8'). But his spot-kick attempt missed the target, leaving the Red Devils seeking a timely breakthrough.
United's momentum grew as the match progressed. McTominay's excellent effort put Man United in front (19'), but Chelsea instantly equalized before halftime (45') through Palmer.
McTominay seized another opportunity in the dying embers of the game, scoring a brilliant brace (70'), giving the Red Devils a much-needed morale boost and securing three crucial points.
With the victory, Manchester United temporarily moves into sixth place, leveling with Tottenham. Chelsea, meanwhile, slowly recovers from a shaky start and stays comfortably within the top ten.
Image caption: Teaser image
Additional Insights
- Trent Alexander-Arnold enthusiastically embraced the role of team vice-captain, consistently delivering impressive performances that contribute to Liverpool's success[1][3].
- Manchester City's loss to Aston Villa marked their third defeat in five league games, adding to their mounting challenges in the Premier League title race.
- Chelsea's struggles this season have resulted in their current position in tenth place, managing only four wins in their last 14 games across competitions[2].
- Liverpool continued their dominance in the Premier League with their eighth straight win, staying atop the table and maintaining a positive 14-point gap from third place[3].
Sources:
[1] BBC Sport. (2021, April 14). Trent Alexander-Arnold: Liverpool vice-captain 'definitely wants to take on more responsibility.' Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/56612013
[2] Sky Sports. (2021, November 21). Thomas Tuchel deems Chelsea's performance 'bizarre' after 1-0 West Brom loss. Retrieved from https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11677/11918419/thomas-tuchel-deems-chelseas-performance-bizarre-after-1-0-west-brom-loss
[3] BBC Sport. (2021, November 22). Liverpool 2-0 Sheffield United: Match Report. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/56767169
