Premier League: Arsenal stumble in title race as Manchester Metropolis stroll

Joao Pedro celebrates after scoring a penalty through the English Premier League match between Brighton and Hove Albion FC and Arsenal on the Amex stadium. (AP)

Arsenal blew an opportunity to make up vital floor on Premier League leaders Liverpool on Saturday with a irritating draw at Brighton as Manchester Metropolis pummelled West Ham 4-1.
In-form Newcastle inflicted one other painful defeat on Ange Postecoglou’s struggling Tottenham and Chelsea’s latest woes continued with a 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, Premier League runners-up over the previous two seasons, travelled to the south coast looking a fourth straight league win within the night kick-off.
Seventeen-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, in for the injured Bukayo Saka, scored a first-half purpose to place them on the right track for an important three factors.
However after being felled by an unintentional headbutt from William Saliba, stand-in Seagulls captain Joao Pedro fired house from the spot within the 61st minute.
The 1-1 draw means the second-placed Gunners are 5 factors behind Liverpool, having performed two video games extra, with Arne Slot’s in-form leaders internet hosting crisis-hit Manchester United on Sunday.
Arteta stated his staff had under-performed within the second half, failing to construct momentum, including that the penalty award was “weird”.
“We’re actually disillusioned with the choice that results in the purpose as a result of I’ve by no means seen one thing like this in my life,” the Spaniard informed the BBC.
“He (Saliba) touches the ball as effectively.”
Metropolis turned nook?
Manchester Metropolis’s win at house towards West Ham means they’ve now received successive matches for the primary time since October and Pep Guardiola will hope they’re again on monitor after a horror run of 1 victory in 13 video games in all competitions.
The defending champions took an early lead by way of a Vladimir Coufal personal purpose and two objectives from Erling Haaland put Metropolis in whole command.
Phil Foden made it 4-0 earlier than Niclas Fullkrug grabbed a comfort for Julen Lopetegui’s males, who suffered a 5-0 mauling by Liverpool final week.
Regardless of their stunning run, sixth-placed Metropolis are simply two factors behind Chelsea, in fourth, however Guardiola stated his staff have been nonetheless not again within the groove.
“I am very happy for the consequence however you can’t ask me if the outdated Metropolis is again,” he stated. “In the event you noticed the sport, we’re not.
“You noticed many occasions through the years what we have now achieved with the opponents.”
Within the early kick-off, Newcastle got here from behind to clinch a fifth straight Premier League win and heap extra distress on injury-hit Spurs.
The house facet went forward within the fourth minute by way of Dominic Solanke.
Newcastle levelled two minutes later when Anthony Gordon arrowed an effort into the underside nook, however Postecoglou stood in disbelief on the touchline taking a look at referee Andrew Madley after Joelinton intercepted Lucas Bergvall’s go together with his hand within the build-up.
VAR deemed Joelinton’s arm to be in a pure place and the contact to be unintentional.
In-form Alexander Isak scored what turned out to be the winner in direction of the tip of the primary interval.
The two-1 victory, watched by new England supervisor Thomas Tuchel, leaves Newcastle in fifth spot, which can but show sufficient to safe a spot within the Champions League subsequent season.
However Spurs have slumped to twelfth within the desk after 5 defeats in seven matches.
Postecoglou stated he was happy with his gamers however was the “angriest I believe I’ve ever been in my profession”.
“I believe it is clear,” stated the Australian. “Now whether or not folks agree with me or not whether or not it wasn’t handball or it was unintentional, I am simply not fascinated about any of that dialogue.
“I do know what everybody desires me to say, however all I will say is that on every other day, on a good and even enjoying floor, we might have received that sport. Easy as that.”
Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea have been respiratory down Liverpool’s necks simply two weeks in the past however have taken simply two factors from 4 video games over the festive interval.
The prolific Cole Palmer gave the guests a first-half lead, however they might not capitalise on their possession and Jean-Philippe Mateta levelled within the 82nd minute.
Aston Villa beat relegation-threatened Leicester 2-1 at house, with objectives from Ross Barkley and Leon Bailey.
Brentford recorded their first league win on the highway this season, smashing hapless Southampton 5-0, and Bournemouth beat Everton 1-0.