Images from the English Premier League matches played on Sunday
Liverpool frustrated by former manager Benitez
NEWCASTLE UNITED 1 LIVERPOOL 1
Rafael Benitez's Newcastle United held his former team Liverpool to a 1-1 draw at St James's Park on Sunday, a result that left the visitors seven points off the Manchester clubs at the top of the Premier League.
The game encapsulated Liverpool's season as they took the lead through a superb Philippe Coutinho strike from 25 metres on 29 minutes, only to concede seven minutes later after shambolic defending allowed Joselu to latch on to Jonjo Shelvey's pass through the middle.
As the striker broke clear, Joel Matip's attempted tackle only diverted the ball on to Joselu's shin and past the diving Simon Mignolet.
Juergen Klopp's mood on the sidelines was not improved when Daniel Sturridge, who was starting in place of Roberto Firmino, squandered a chance from close range after a miskick from Newcastle defender Ciaran Clark.
The visitors looked hesitant at the back and tentative in front of goal with Sturridge too often caught offside. Firmino, Dominic Solanke and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain were all brought on but Newcastle held on as Benitez kept his unbeaten record in five games as a manager against Liverpool.
Monreal and Iwobi lead Arsenal stroll past Brighton
ARSENAL 2 BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION 0
Arsenal maintained their perfect home record this season by comfortably beating Brighton & Hove Albion 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League's early kickoff on Sunday.
On the 21st anniversary of his taking over as manager, Arsene Wenger made nine changes from the side who excelled in the Europa League on Thursday but Arsenal started at the same high-octane level.
After Alexandre Lacazette hit the post in the second minute, they took the lead on 16 when Nacho Monreal struck the ball firmly through a sea of bodies in the Brighton area.
The goal was only the Spaniard's second in the league -- and first for more than four years -- and only a fine save from Brighton keeper Matt Ryan prevented Aaron Ramsey doubling their lead just before the interval.
Without the suspended Tomer Hemed, Brighton posed a limited attacking threat and a moment of brilliance from Alexis Sanchez, who backheeled the ball deftly in the penalty area, set up the second for Alex Iwobi on 56 minutes.
"It was a great team play. I didn't think Alexis would find me but it shows the skill he has," said Iwobi.
"He is capable of doing anything. To have eyes in the back of his head and backheel to me was amazing."
Sanchez proved a permanent menace, testing Brighton with his tight turns and inventive passes.
Brighton manager Chris Hughon said: "It was a spirited performance. I can't accuse the lads of not giving everything. It is always going to be difficult here, levels of concentration have to be for 90 minutes."
Koeman's troubles grow as Everton lose at home to Burnley
EVERTON 0 BURNLEY 1
Everton's poor start to the season continued as they suffered a 1-0 defeat at home to Burnley on Sunday with Irish midfielder Jeff Hendrick grabbing a 21st minute winner.
Burnely are unbeaten away from home this season and move up to sixth in the league while Everton languish in 16th place with just two wins in this campaign so far.
Burnley's goal came at the end of a 24-pass move with Hendrick skipping away from his marker and firing past Jordan Pickford.
Ronald Koeman's Everton looked short of confidence and ideas and struggled to turn possession into chances even after the introduction of Wayne Rooney as a second-half substitute.
© 2024 Rediff.com -