Erling Haaland scored twice as Manchester City thumped West Ham 4-1 in the Premier League on Saturday, while poor Newcastle handed Ange Postecoglou’s struggling Tottenham another painful defeat. Chelsea’s recent woes continued with a 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace. This means they have taken just two points from four games over the festive period. Defending champions City got back to their winning ways at Leicester last week after a long slump and picked up three more points. Against Julen Lopetegui’s West Ham at the Etihad.
Pep Guardiola’s men took the lead in the 10th minute when Vladimir Coupal deflected Sabinho’s cross past goalkeeper Alphonse Areola.
Sabinho also had a hand in the second goal just before half-time, beating his man twice before crossing for Haaland, who headed home with Max Kielmann missing.
The same players scored City’s third goal in the 55th minute, with Phil Foden netting the fourth. The home side were denied a clean sheet by Niclas Fuellkrug.
West Ham appeared to have turned a corner last month, but have now conceded nine goals in two games following a 5-0 thumping at home to Premier League leaders Liverpool.
‘I was the angriest I’ve ever been in my life’
From the early kick-off at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Newcastle inflicted more misery on injury-hit Spurs as they claimed their fifth successive Premier League win.
The home team took the lead in the 4th minute of the first half thanks to Dominic Solanke’s goal.
Newcastle equalized two minutes later when Anthony Gordon fired into the bottom corner, but when Joelinton intercepted Lucas Bergvall’s pass in the build-up with his hand, Postecoglo looked incredulous at Andrew Mae on the touchline. I was standing there looking at the referee.
VAR ruled that Joelinton’s arm was in a natural position and it was an accidental contact, which prompted a violent reaction from the Tottenham bench and they were left with their arms crossed midway through the first half when Dan Byrne, who had already been booked, avoided a second yellow card for a handball. There was. Based on the center circle.
The brilliant Alexander Isak scored what turned out to be the winner at the end of the first half.
The win leaves Newcastle in fifth place, which could be enough to secure a Champions League spot next season, but Tottenham have dropped to 12th in the table after five defeats in seven games.
Postecoglou said he was proud of his players but said he was “the angriest I’ve ever been in my career.”
“I think it’s clear.” said the Australian. “Now, whether people agree with me or not, whether it wasn’t a handball, whether it was a coincidence, I’m not interested in any debate.
“I know what everyone wants me to say, but what I want to say is that on any other day, on a fair and level playing field, we would have won that game. It’s as simple as that.”
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe admitted the ball hit Joelinton’s arm but said the referee’s decision was out of his control.
“I believe his arm was down in its natural position and the referee and VAR followed the established rules and protocols,” he said. “That’s why it was given.”
Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea were closing in on Liverpool just two weeks ago, but after two more games they are now nine points behind the Reds.
The Italian made six changes in the match at Selhurst Park and gave his side the lead when Jadon Sancho drove down the left and found Cole Palmer who fired low into the bottom right corner.
The visitors enjoyed plenty of possession but were unable to capitalize and Jean-Philippe Mateta equalized in the 82nd minute.
Aston Villa beat relegation-threatened Leicester 2-1 at home with goals from Ross Barkley and Leon Bailey.
Brentford recorded a rare away win by beating bottom Southampton 5-0, while Bournemouth beat Everton 1-0.
Second-placed Arsenal play at Brighton in the opener at 1730 GMT, while Premier League leaders Liverpool host beleaguered Manchester United on Sunday.
(Except for the title, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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