Liverpool and Arsenal win but United lose again
The Premier League title is so close Liverpool can almost touch it. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s second-half strike against Leicester on Sunday pushed the Merseyside club to within one more win of a record-equalling 20th English league crown.
It would not even take that if second-placed Arsenal lose to Crystal Palace on Wednesday. But regardless of any other result, Liverpool know victory against Tottenham at Anfield next Sunday will be enough to seal the title.
Arsenal ensured the league leaders would have to wait a while longer for their crowning moment after routing Ipswich 4-0 earlier Sunday. And for long periods at the King Power Stadium, Leicester threatened to frustrate Arne Slot’s team — even having a Conor Coady goal disallowed before Alexander-Arnold’s winner. Defeat confirmed 2016 league champions Leicester’s relegation.
Wolves ensured top-flight safety by beating Manchester United 1-0 after Pablo Sarabia’s brilliant second-half free kick. Chelsea moved up to fifth by rallying to beat Fulham 2-1 with two late goals.
Title edges closer
One more win. That’s all it will take for Liverpool to be crowned champions and move level with Manchester United’s record title haul.
And the joy on Alexander-Arnold’s face after crashing a left-footed shot past Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen in the 76th minute underlined the importance of the win. While the title has looked destined for Anfield for much of the season, this was the latest occasion in recent weeks when the strains of the campaign have seemed to weigh on Liverpool. Against a Leicester team that needed to win to hold off relegation, Liverpool struggled to find a breakthrough despite repeatedly hitting the frame of the goal. Leicester also saw an effort from Wilfred Ndidi hit the post and Coady had a goal ruled out for a foul on Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson.
Gunners fire
After eliminating holders Real Madrid from the Champions League in midweek, Mikel Arteta’s team cruised to victory against an Ipswich team that is now all but certain to be relegated.
Leandro Trossard’s low shot gave Arsenal the lead in the 14th minute and Gabriel Martinelli made it 2-0 in the 28th. Trossard scored his ninth of the season in the 69th and Ethan Nwaneri completed the rout in the 88th.
In United’s case, after the highs of an epic Europa League comeback against Lyon on Thursday, Old Trafford was brought back down to earth after yet another Premier League defeat. A 15th league loss of the season is a club record for United in the Premier League era.
