Liverpool Triumphs Over Everton in Quest for Title, Man City Secures Victory in Haaland's Absence

Liverpool moved closer to securing the Premier League title with a 1-0 victory over Everton in the Merseyside derby on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Manchester City strengthened their Champions League aspirations by defeating Leicester 2-0. With only...

Liverpool Triumphs Over Everton in Quest for Title, Man City Secures Victory in Haaland's Absence
Liverpool moved closer to securing the Premier League title with a 1-0 victory over Everton in the Merseyside derby on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Manchester City strengthened their Champions League aspirations by defeating Leicester 2-0.

With only eight matches remaining, Liverpool holds a substantial 12-point lead over second-placed Arsenal, who triumphed over Fulham 2-1 on Tuesday.

Arne Slot's team had recently faced setbacks, suffering losses in the League Cup final against Newcastle and in the Champions League last 16 against Paris Saint-Germain. However, they returned to winning ways as they pursue a record-equalling 20th English title, their first since 2020, in Slot's debut season at the helm.

After going more than two months without scoring, Diogo Jota emerged as the standout player for Liverpool, netting the decisive goal in the 57th minute thanks to a flick from Luis Diaz. This victory was particularly satisfying for Liverpool following their turbulent 2-2 draw with Everton in February, which saw David Moyes' team level the score at the last moment.

Although Moyes argued that Jota's goal was offside, Slot defended the decision, stating: "According to the rules it was a goal so no-one can complain. It is a clear goal. We are chasing down the best possible season we can have. As long as the players give everything like today then we are in a very good position."

At the Etihad Stadium, City managed well without their star striker Erling Haaland, who is expected to be out for up to seven weeks due to an ankle injury sustained during the FA Cup quarterfinal against Bournemouth.

Pep Guardiola's side quickly took the lead against struggling Leicester, who have now lost seven consecutive league matches, just two minutes into the game. Jeremy Doku and Savinho worked together to break through Leicester's defense, with Jack Grealish scoring from close range, marking his first league goal since December 2023.

City extended their lead in the 29th minute when Egypt's Omar Marmoush fired home after Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen mishandled a pass from Ruben Dias.

With this win, City has climbed to fourth place in the standings, one point ahead of fifth-placed Newcastle and two points clear of sixth-placed Chelsea, who have a game in hand against Tottenham on Thursday.

"After the tough game in Bournemouth, to come here after just three days, it helped us to score early. We missed the third goal, that's all. The rest was good," Guardiola commented.

In other matches, Newcastle defeated Brentford 2-1, continuing the celebratory atmosphere following their first major trophy win in 56 years. Aston Villa also kept their Champions League hopes alive with a 3-0 victory at Brighton. Conversely, Southampton missed an opportunity to avoid setting a record for the worst team in Premier League history, settling for a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace at St Mary's.

Anna Muller for TROIB News

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