1 Apr 2024

English Premier League: Liverpool go top after Arsenal and Man City draw

12:42 pm on 1 April 2024
Liverpool striker Mo Salah

Liverpool striker Mo Salah scored the winner in his side's 2-1 win over Brighton, which puts Liverpool at the top of the Premier League. Photo: David Blunsden/Photosport

Arsenal nullified reigning champions Manchester City's attack in a 0-0 draw, allowing Liverpool to take top spot on a pivotal day in the English football's Premier League title chase.

Mikel Arteta's Arsenal, in the hunt for their first league title in 20 years, are second in the table on 65 points with nine games remaining, while City are third with 64.

Liverpool, on 67 points, claimed the lead with their 2-1 comeback victory over Brighton & Hove Albion.

The match failed to live up to its billing as a battle of titans. City dominated possession with 72.2 percent and came at Arsenal in waves.

But the visitors frustrated Pep Guardiola's men - including league-leading scorer Erling Haaland - with a textbook defensive display to extend their unbeaten league run to nine games and end their streak of eight losses at the Etihad.

Usually prolific Man City were restricted to just one shot on goal and it was the first time in 58 games that they have not scored at home.

While Arsenal lacked the firepower of recent weeks - they had scored an astounding 33 goals in eight successive league victories - shutting down City was mission accomplished for the Gunners, who were clobbered 4-1 at the Etihad last season before City ran away with the title.

The game marked the final clash between two of the top three teams this season.

- Reuters

Get the RNZ app

for ad-free news and current affairs

We have regular online commentary of local and international sport.