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Mason Holgate, hang your head in shame.Forget late, high, reckless and dangerous, his disgraceful ‘challenge’ on Karou Mitoma was straight up assault.
Brighton filled their boots at Bramall Lane on SundayCredit: Getty
Sheffield United have now conceded 65 goals after 25 league gamesCredit: Reuters
Chris Wilder watched his side suffer another thrashing at homeCredit: Reuters
Mason Holgate was sent off for a shocking challenge on Kaoru Mitoma in the 11th minuteCredit: Getty
For once Sheffield United came into a game full of beans following victory at Luton, dreaming up the unlikeliest of escapes from the bottom three.
And then up steps Holgate, in just his fourth game on loan from Everton, with one of the worst tackles in Prem history just 11 minutes in.
Ok, it was there to be won – but what followed was truly horrific.
Who knows what the braindead defender was thinking as he steamed in, but he completely missed the ball before following through – wildly out of control – on Mitoma’s knee.
You won’t see a clearer red, unless you’re ref Stuart Attwell, who somehow thought a yellow was appropriate before upgrading it after checking his monitor.
A potential career-ending tackle, Mitoma thankfully escaped injury and was buzzing around again before long.
United boss Chris Wilder refused to look at the 27-year-old trudged as he sheepishly trudged off.
Holgate has now picked up a ridiculous three red cards in 36 games, and the only justice here would be to see him slapped with more than the standard three-game ban.
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Most goals conceded after 25 Premier League gamesThese are the clubs that have conceded the most goals after 25 games of a Premier League season:

Sheffield United (2023/24) – 65 goals
Barnsley (1997/98) – 61 goals
Leeds (2021/22) – 56 goals
Blackburn (2011/12) – 56 goals

And what of the cost to Sheffield United? We know who would have been happy to see the Blades lose again, and that’s Holgate’s parent club down at the bottom of the league.
With an extra man for 80 minutes, Brighton strolled to victory thanks to Facundo Buonanotte, Danny Welbeck, a Jack Robinson own goal and Simon Adringa’s brace.
Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozers
Having won here 5-1 in the FA Cup, it’s now 10 goals at Bramall Lane for Brighton in the last three weeks.
Filled with hope before a ball was kicked, rock-bottom United look doomed once again.
They’ve now shipped 65 goals, more than any other side after 25 games.
To be fair to the South Yorkshiremen, they battled on manfully without Holgate until the Seagulls ran away with it late on.
United started brightly in the glorious sunshine before Holgate darkened the afternoon.
But the writing was on the wall just seven minutes after he was given his marching orders when Buonanotte opened the scoring.
Pascal Gross’ deep corner was nodded back across goal, Adam Webster got a glancing touch and the young Argentinian midfielder bundled home.
Twenty-four minutes in and it was game over. Gross was on hand with the delivery again, whipping a cross to Mitoma at the back post.
The Japanese star’s first-time effort from a tight angle was parried by Wes Foderingham straight into the path of the unmarked Welbeck, who smashed home his fourth of the campaign.
United thought they pegged one back just before the break, but scorer Ben Osborn was correctly given offside following another VAR check.
Roberto De Zerbi’s side naturally bossed the whole of the second half without ever getting out of third gear – not that they needed to in order to bag another three.
Mitoma, fully recovered from being poleaxed earlier, got an assist with a wicked ball in from the left, with hapless Jack Robinson spooning into his own net.
And moments later it was 4-0 when Adingra hooked in Gross’ cross, before the Ivory Coast winger got his second late on with a deflected effort over Foderingham.
Brighton’s biggest win of the Prem season – and the first time they’ve ever scored five on the road in the top flight – this is a huge result for their European chances having not won away in six.
Leapfrogging West Ham and Newcastle into seventh, the Champions League may be out of reach but a successive top-six finish is well within their sights.
Yet this game will only be remembered for one thing, so hopefully we won’t be seeing Holgate grace a football pitch for a while yet.
Check out how the action unfolded via our live blog below… More

MANCHESTER CITY dropped two points to an impressive away performance by Chelsea in a 1-1 draw.Raheem Sterling fired the visitors ahead against his former team after the Blues bossed the first half to stun the champions.
But Rodri levelled it up with a rocket of an equaliser to set up a nail-biting finale.

Man City XI: Ederson, Walker, Akanji, Dias, Ake, Rodri, De Bruyne, Foden, Alvarez, Doku, Haaland
Chelsea XI: Petrovic, Gusto, Disasi, Colwill, Chilwell, Caicedo, Fernandez, Palmer, Gallagher, Sterling, Jackson

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That’s all from the Etihad
But the title race is just beginning to heat up.
An enthralling draw here means that just four points separate Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City with a third of the season remaining.
Two of those are back at in midweek with City hosting Brentford, and Liverpool taking on Luton.
Expect twists and turns, not just in the coming days, but over the next three months.
Thanks for joining us, and goodnight.
Copy linkCopiedPoch proud of Blues performance
In contrast to his opposite number, Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino was delighted with how his team pitted themselves at the home of the champions.
The Argentine was particularly enthused by the Blues’ first half performance, a display he felt showed charisma and courage.
I’m so pleased. I told the players I feel so proud. In the last three games we’ve started to create a very good spirit. That’s the way we want to build our team. Today was a very good opportunity to show we’re going where we want.Mauricio PochettinoBBC

Copy linkCopiedExtra! Read all about it!
It’s nearly time to bring our live coverage to a close, but before we sign off, let’s relive the endless action with Phil Thomas’ match report of Manchester City’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea.
Believe it or not, the man guilty for the biggest clangers was Erling Haaland. The man who had rattled in 75 goals in his previous 72 games in a sky blue shirt. The finest finisher in Europe, maybe even the world. But tonight one who came up with two howlers to haunt him for years.Phil ThomasThe Sun

Copy linkCopiedPep: Haaland will bounce back
Pep Guardiola cut a frustrated figure during his post-match interview, but insisted he wouldn’t be having too many words with Erling Haaland after the striker had a rare stinker in front of goal.
Instead, the City boss pointed to a sloppy first half performance, particularly from a defensive perspective, as to where the game got to a point where it needed rescuing.
The Spanish coach also pointed to his own goalscoring record as to why he would be avoiding dishing out any advice to his normally-sensational centre-forward.
I played for 11 years and scored 11 goals so I can’t give too much advice to Erling [Haaland]. The next time he will score. But in the first half we didn’t perform well and that’s what we have to improve.Pep GuardiolaErling Haaland

Copy linkCopiedA Sterling showing from Raheem
With his goal on the return to the Etihad Stadium, Raheem Sterling took his goal tally to six, and his number of goal involvements to nine for the season.
Both figures are as many as the forward managed in his first season at Chelsea last term.
Indeed, he has also become the first player in Premier League history to score home and away against Manchester City having previously played for them.  

Copy linkCopiedHaaland proves he’s human after all
With the world and his wife having triple-captained Erling Haaland in Fantasy Premier League this weekend, all eyes on were on Manchester City’s world class striker.
Yet remarkably, the decision failed to pay off.
Haaland’s nine shots and personal xG total of 1.71 against Chelsea were both his highest returns without scoring in a single game for City since signing.

Copy linkCopiedCity lose ground on rivals
With Liverpool and Arsenal still to play this season, the defence of their Premier League title remains in Manchester City’s hands.
However, they no longer hold the advantage that winning their games in hand would have brought.
Credit: premierleague.com
Copy linkCopiedMatch stats from the Etihad
Manchester City’s 31 shots at goal is their highest total in a single match in the Premier League this season.

Copy linkCopiedFull time – Man City 1-1 Chelsea
The final whistle goes, and a strange, absorbing contest comes to an end.
The champions can take solace in avoiding defeat – Rodri’s deflected effort cancelling out Raheem Sterling’s first half effort – but taking just a point means that they have lost ground in the title race.
And on a day when rivals Liverpool and Arsenal clocked up emphatic wins on the road, City have faltered in front of their own fans and can no longer claim top spot by winning their game in hand.

Copy linkCopiedMan City 1-1 Chelsea
90+6. The corner comes over from the right, Petrovic misses it and…
…Chelsea survive.
Copy linkCopiedMan City 1-1 Chelsea
90+4. It’s chaos inside the area.
With bodies falling, there are handball claims and shirt pulls, shots and blocks, and eventually a header that is deflected out for one final corner to the champions.

Copy linkCopiedMan City 1-1 Chelsea
90+2. Walker lines up a Vincent Kompany moment from 30 yards, but lacks the accuracy of his former teammate, if not the power.
Meanwhile, Enzo Fernandez goes down off the ball, eager to eat up a few seconds.
Copy linkCopiedMan City 1-1 Chelsea
90. Four minutes of additional time are signalled by the fourth official.
Is there a twist in the tale?
Copy linkCopied
Man City 1-1 Chelsea

89. Disasi is first to another City cross, but this time can only head it behind for a corner as the seconds on the clock tick down towards 90.
The hosts get a move on, and quickly send the set-piece back into the box, where Haaland heads down…
…and straight at Petrovic.
Copy linkCopiedMan City 1-1 Chelsea
87. De Bruyne has dropped in on the right now to influence matters.
Instantly, he finds possession, although his cross intended for Bernardo Silva is too long.
A rare miscue from the Belgian.
Copy linkCopiedMan City 1-1 Chelsea
85. Five minutes remain on the clock. Five minutes plus stoppages.
Can City find the winner that would tip the title race back in their favour, landing a huge psychological blown on the chin of their rivals?
Here comes Rodri again…

Copy linkCopiedMan City 1-1 Chelsea
83. They’ve done it! City have equalised!
But there’s no time for celebration as their players retrieve the ball and rush back to the halfway line. They still want to – and believe they can – win this!
It comes after a short spell of pinball inside the Chelsea box with the ball ricocheting off a crowd of bodies.
Kyle Walker’s drive across goal is blocked, possibly by Erling Haaland, but then falls kindly for Rodri on the edge of the area.
The midfielder lets fly with a drive that crashes into the leg of Trevoh Chalobah, and up into Djordje Petrovic’s net.
Copy linkCopiedEqualiser!

Copy linkCopiedMan City 0-1 Chelsea 
79. Are City running out of ideas? Bernardo twice tries a curler towards the far post with options limited, but neither test the visitors.
There are hopeful claims for a penalty as Haaland hooks a cross back into the middle, but instead the ball smashes into the face of Chilwell.
Copy linkCopiedMan City 0-1 Chelsea 
77. Haaland! How has he missed?!
De Bruyne finds room on the left – it’s been a while – and whips over an absolute peach of a cross.
It’s perfect for Haaland, who rises high and unmarked six yards from goal. It seems an inevitability. It seems a certainly. The net is waiting to be rippled.
But instead the ball soars over the crossbar and out for a goalkick.

Copy linkCopiedMan City 0-1 Chelsea 
75. Fifteen minutes remaining.
Count them, Chelsea fans. Arsenal fans. Liverpool fans.
Copy linkCopiedMan City 0-1 Chelsea
74. In their eagerness for an equaliser, City are misplacing passes and overhitting crosses.
It’s very un-City-like, truth be told. At the moment, the magic touch is deserting De Bruyne, Foden and Haaland, and they look all too frustrated for it.
Copy linkCopiedMan City 0-1 Chelsea – Chelsea substitution
72. Back in Manchester and it’s the end of the night for Cole Palmer.
The youngster is replaced by Trevoh Chalobah, and it will mean that Chelsea will go with five at the back for the remainder.
Copy linkCopiedMan City 0-1 Chelsea 
70. Twenty minutes to go, and still Chelsea lead by the odd goal.
One way or another, surely there is a second to come – either via City’s relentless pressure or by Chelsea exploiting huge gaps on the counter.
Copy linkCopiedMan City 0-1 Chelsea 
68. Disasi remains a huge influence at the back for Chelsea, almost single-handedly – or single-headedly – repelling cross after cross after cross.
He’s really taken on responsibility in the absence of Thiago Silva today.
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ARSENAL thrashed Burnley 5-0 to go two points off the top of the table – and record the best goal difference in the league.Mikel Arteta’s Gunners have now scored a stunning 21 goals in five games since the Premier League’s return.
The match was marred by a horror injury to Aaron Ramsey which caused a delay in the second half.

Burnley XI: Trafford; Delcroix, Esteve, O’Shea, Assignon; Odobert, Brownhill, Berge, Ramsey; Fofana, Amdouni
Arsenal XI: Raya; Kiwior, Gabriel, Saliba, White; Havertz, Rice, Odegaard; Martinelli, Trossard, Saka.

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Focus turns to Europe for Spaniard
Mikel Arteta will be looking to set themselves up now to progress to the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
In between the two ties they have league games that they will see as very winnable to keep the pressure on the top.
Things are starting to come together for The Gunners at the business end of the season.

Copy linkCopiedArteta’s jewel in the North London crown
When Martin Odegaard is on form, he makes this Arsenal side purr.
Was a close contender for man of the match with Bukayo Saka, pulled the strings to create openings for The Gunners in the final third all game.
Has great vision and can spot a pass through the back line before his teammate has even moved into that space.

Copy linkCopiedFT: Burnley 0-5 Arsenal
Dominant win for Arsenal on the road once again.
Many people questioned whether this side was missing a striker but it certainly does not look so at the moment.
This will act as a warning to the other teams in this title race.

Copy linkCopiedFT: Burnley 0-5 Arsenal
The referee brings the pain to an end for the Burnley players and fans.
It is an impressive performance from Mikel Arteta’s side.
They continue their good form and keep themselves well and truly in this title race.
Copy linkCopiedBurnley 0-5 Arsenal
98. Both sides are going through the motions now.
Arsenal continue to come forward but Burnley seem done.
The Gunners are just lacking that final pass at the moment.
Copy linkCopiedBurnley 0-5 Arsenal
90+6. Smith Rowe wins a free kick on the edge of the box.
Chance for the visitors to rub salt into the wound.
Odegaard is stood over it with only one thing on his mind.
Copy linkCopiedBurnley 0-5 Arsenal
90+4. The ball breaks to Bruun Larsen on the edge of the box.
He shappes to shoot and looks to catch out David Raya on his near post.
The Arsenal keeper is scrambling but the effort is a yard wide of the post.
Copy linkCopiedBurnley 0-5 Arsenal
90+2. You could almost hear the groan from the home fans left in Turf Moor when that board went up.
They are finding it torturous to see their side played off the park in this manner.
Hoping their side can find a consolation goal to give them something to cheer.
Copy linkCopiedBurnley 0-5 Arsenal
90. FC Porto will be worried about what they face in midweek now.
In recent weeks, Arsenal have been scoring goals for fun.
Arteta will be hoping his side can transfer this form to Europe.
We are going to have ten added minutes.
Credit: Getty
Copy linkCopiedBurnley 0-5 Arsenal
88. Fofana comes forward on rare attack for The Clarets.
He manages to get a shot away but it deflects behind for a corner.
It takes the pressure off the Burnley defence, which is much needed.
Copy linkCopiedBurnley 0-5 Arsenal
86. This has been a fantastic performance from The Gunners.
These sort of games can be a real banana skin in a title race.
Arteta’s side have dealt with the task at hand with ease.
Copy linkCopiedBurnley 0-5 Arsenal
84. The Arsenal fans are chanting ‘we want six’.
You wouldn’t rule it out as it is one-way traffic here.
Burnley look like they are craving that final whistle now.
Copy linkCopiedBurnley 0-5 Arsenal
82. Arsenal swing another corner into the box.
It is only half cleared and The Gunners manage to recycle it.
The ball into the box does not beat the first man and The Clarets hack it clear.
Copy linkCopiedBurnley 0-5 Arsenal
80. This has been men against boys this afternoon.
The gulf in class has been there for all too see.
You have to wonder whether Burnley have the attributes to get themselves to safety this season.
Credit: Reuters
Copy linkCopiedBurnley 0-5 Arsenal
78. This is all too easy for The Gunners now.
Havertz cuts in from the left, nutmegging the defender, before passing the ball into the back of the net.
Another big away victory for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Copy linkCopiedGoal – Kai Havertz (Arsenal)
Copy linkCopiedBurnley 0-4 Arsenal
76. Burnley are trying to exert some pressure on the Arsenal goal.
As the corner is swung in, The Gunners clear the ball.
The Clarets come straight back at them but Arteta’s side have everyone back in their own half.
Copy linkCopiedBurnley 0-4 Arsenal
74. More importantly today, Arsenal will keep the pressure on the sides above them.
It could be an intriguing three-horse race for the title this season.
European exploits and injuries could also play a big part.
Liverpool lost both Jota and Jones to nasty injuries today.
Copy linkCopiedBurnley 0-4 Arsenal
72. This is exactly how Mikel Arteta will have wanted this game to go.
Getting the job done early on in the game so they can switch their focus to their Champions League tie in midweek.
They can take their foot off the gas now and just manage the game until the final whistle.
Copy linkCopiedBurnley 0-4 Arsenal
70. Arteta is able to rest some players for their trip to Portugal.
The job is well and truly done here at Turf Moor.
With twenty minutes left, you worry about Burnley’s goal difference.
Credit: Reuters
Copy linkCopiedBurnley 0-4 Arsenal
68. Arsenal attack down the left once again.
As the ball is played into the box, Burnley fail to clear their lines and it dropss to Trossard in the box who drives into the bottom corner.
The goal prompts many Clarets’ fans to head for the exits.
White, Saka and Trossard head off.
They are replaced by Nelson, Cedric and Nketiah.
Copy linkCopiedGoal – Leandro Trossard (Arsenal)
Copy linkCopiedBurnley 0-3 Arsenal
66. The Clarets are getting themselves into all sorts of trouble trying to play out from the back.
As it is worked forward, Trossard has another chance as he tries to bend it into the top corner.
Narrowly wide from the Arsenal forward.
Copy linkCopiedBurnley 0-3 Arsenal
64. Burnley almost gift Arsenal another goal.
A loose path from Brownhill falls to Martinelli, he looks to find Trossard.
The former Brighton striker shoots but drags it wide of the goal.
Saka was lurking at the back post, wanting his hat-trick.
Copy linkCopiedBurnley 0-3 Arsenal
62. Ramsey is stretchered off and replaced by Rodriguez.
The entire stadium applauds Ramsey as he is carried off.
For Kompany, the day goes from bad to worse.
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ARSENAL are taking on Burnley RIGHT NOW as they look to win a fifth successive Premier League game.The Gunners are currently on stunning run which includes a 3-1 victory against league leaders Liverpool, and a 6-0 demolition on West Ham.
While 19th place Burnley haven’t earned three points since their Fulham triumph back in December – shipping 15 goals in that time.

Kick-off time: 3pm GMT
Live stream/TV: Not televised in the UK due to 3pm blackout
Burnley XI: Trafford; Delcroix, Esteve, O’Shea, Assignon; Odobert, Brownhill, Berge, Ramsey; Fofana, Amdouni
Arsenal XI: Raya; Kiwior, Gabriel, Saliba, White; Havertz, Rice, Odegaard; Martinelli, Trossard, Saka.

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Burnley 0-3 Arsenal
48. Odegaard threads the ball in between the defenders for Saka.
He twists and turns and then gets a shot off at the near post with his weaker right foot.
The ball flashes past Trafford to put this game to bed.
Copy linkCopiedGoal – Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
Copy linkCopiedBurnley 0-2 Arsenal
46. You feel if Burnley are going to cause any problems for The Gunners, they need to get an early goal.
Gudmundsson has come on for Amdouni at the break.
Arsenal continue to dominate the ball.
Copy linkCopiedKick-off: Burnley 0-2 Arsenal
We are back underway at Turf Moor.
The Clarets have it all to here.
Arsenal get the second half started.
Copy linkCopiedHT: Burnley 0-2 Arsenal
Arsenal will want to put this game to bed early on.
You feel as though another goal would completely knock the wind out of Vincent Kompany’s team.
With a trip to Porto in the Champions League in the week, Arteta will want to give some of his key players a rest later on in the game.
Copy linkCopiedHT: Burnley 0-2 Arsenal
Arsenal fully deserve their two goal lead.
They have been patient, dominated possession and controlled the game.
As things stand, this looks like a routine three points for the visitors.

Copy linkCopiedHT: Burnley 0-2 Arsenal
The referee brings the first half to a close.
Another disappointing display from The Clarets.
Mikel Arteta’s side have been just too good for them.
Copy linkCopiedBurnley 0-2 Arsenal
45+2. Arsenal look likely to score whenever they come forward.
Burnley are struggling to deal with Saka down the right.
The Gunners’ winger is booked for kicking the ball away when a free kick is given for a foul.
Credit: Reuters
Copy linkCopiedBurnley 0-2 Arsenal
45. Kompany will be wondering whether his side have enough goals in them to get out of the trouble they find themselves in.
Creativity in the final third seems to be a real issue.
We are going to have three additional minutes.
Copy linkCopiedBurnley 0-2 Arsenal
43. You would struggle to see a way back into this game now for the hosts.
They are creating so little going forward, the scoreline already looks beyond them.
Arteta’s side have the chance to stamp their authority on this game with more goals here.
Copy linkCopiedBurnley 0-2 Arsenal
41. Saka puts the ball into the bottom corner, despite Trafford going the right way.
The build-up to the spot kick saw Havertz lay the ball off into the path of Trossard who was scythed down by Assignon.
Arsenal are looking comfortable at Turf Moor.
Copy linkCopiedGoal – Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
Copy linkCopiedPenalty to Arsenal
Copy linkCopiedBurnley 0-1 Arsenal
37. Burnley almost gift The Gunners another big chance.
As they look to play out from the back, they dwell on the ball, unaware that Saka is lurking.
He dispossesses the Burnley player and looks to cut inside but is tackled himself.
Credit: AFP
Copy linkCopiedBurnley 0-1 Arsenal
35. What a chance for Arsenal to double their lead.
Saka picks the ball up in the box and again looks for Trossard.
It looks like a goal is certain but the Belgian has an air swipe and completely misses the ball.
Copy linkCopiedBurnley 0-1 Arsenal
33. Saka gets into the box and looks to square it for Havertz to tap home.
Berge does well to read the situation and cut the pass out.
The Gunners whip in the corner but the hosts are awarded a free kick.
Copy linkCopiedBurnley 0-1 Arsenal
31. Brownhill is penalised for a foul on White in the middle of the park.
The Arsenal defender just got to ball before the Burnley player.
Vincent Kompany’s side are starting to settle into the game more now.
Copy linkCopiedBurnley 0-1 Arsenal
29. Trossard looks to drive into the box once again.
Esteve gets a foot in to dispossess him and Berge clears.
They will need to ensure those challenges are well-timed today.
Copy linkCopiedBurnley 0-1 Arsenal
27. Odobert looks the biggest threat for Burnley.
He is quick and happy to run at the Arsenal defence.
If The Clarets want to get anything out of this game, they need to get the ball to their winger more.
Credit: PA
Copy linkCopiedBurnley 0-1 Arsenal
25. Raya has had nothing to do in the Arsenal goal.
Odobert gets down the wing and drills the ball in from the byline.
The Arsenal keeper beats it away but Burnley recycle the ball and win a throw in deep in the visitors’ half.
Copy linkCopiedBurnley 0-1 Arsenal
23. Amdouni and White are grappling with each other like WWE.
It is a wonder that more penalties are not given for this.
Finally The Clarets half clear the ball and Berge manages to see the ball out for a goal kick.
Copy linkCopiedBurnley 0-1 Arsenal
21. It is rare that the newly promoted sides have looked so far out of their depth as this season.
Luton Town are the only side outside of the bottom three, mainly thanks to Everton’s points deduction.
The visitors have another corner, Saka stands over the ball ready to deliver.
Copy linkCopiedBurnley 0-1 Arsenal
19. Burnley will have planned for having to play a counter-attacking game today.
They knew their chances of scoring would have been limited but the early Arsenal goal has intensified that.
Currently, The Clarets are struggling to get out of their own half.
Copy linkCopiedBurnley 0-1 Arsenal
17. Kompany’s side are trying to close the visitors down in possession but are struggling to press.
It only takes a couple of passes for Arsenal to play through the hosts.
So far, it is all looking very comfortable for The Gunners.
Credit: AFP
Copy linkCopiedBurnley 0-1 Arsenal
15. The Clarets are giving Arsenal way too much space to work with.
It makes it too easy for them to work the transition and get on the attack.
On this occasion the challenge sees the ball come off Martinelli for a goal kick.
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MO SALAH returned from injury with a bang – only to watch key Liverpool team-mates swap places with him in the treatment room.Salah’s assist and goal on his first appearance since a hamstring problem killed off the game and sealed the victory that kept the Reds clear at the top of the table.
Mohamed Salah returned to Liverpool and grabbed a goal and assistCredit: AP
Brentford were far off the pace against the table-topping RedsCredit: Getty
Here’s how the team’s compared on paper
Liverpoool made their dominance count

But Jurgen Klopp’s hopes of fielding anything like a first-choice team for next weekend’s Carabao Cup Final were dealt a triple blow.
Klopp had already lost Curtis Jones when Diogo Jota was taken off on a stretcher and replaced by Salah.
Then Darwin Nunez, scorer of the brilliant opening goal, did not come out for the second half.
Alexis Mac Allister extended the visitors’ lead from Salah’s pass then the Egyptian, after missing earlier chances, made the most of more poor Brentford defending to make it three.
Ivan Toney pulled one back with 15 minutes to go, but another howler by Nathan Collins allowed Luis Diaz to play in Cody Gakpo for the fourth.
At least the number of goals exceeded the injuries, but if the gap at the top remains clear, Klopp’s options in the short and medium term are not.
An open, attractive game began with a chance for the Bees. After a quick throw-in, Christian Norgaard found Vitaly Janelt unmarked in the box but the midfielder dragged his shot well off target.
Home ‘keeper Mark Flekken was soon forced into an excellent double save, first keeping out Conor Bradley’s cut effort then blocking Diogo Jota’s follow-up.
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Back came Brentford and a lovely move ended with Neal Maupay rolling the ball into Toney’s path, only for his striker partner to send a left-foot shot a good distance wide.
He soon sent a tame free kick straight into Caoimhin Kelleher’s arms.

And when released by Maupay in the channel, he could not put enough on his shot when under pressure from Ibrahima Konate.
At the other end, Jota forced another sharp stop from Flekken.
Norgaard failed to hit the target with another presentable chance before Liverpool took the lead.
Flekken went from taking a free kick to picking the ball out of his net within seconds.
The visitors cleared untidily with a punt by Virgil Van Dijk but what followed was perfection.
Jota’s header was weighted and directed just where Nunez wanted it. The Uruguayan charged on at pace and sent the most delicious chip over the Brentford keeper and under the bar.
But the Reds suffered their second injury blow of the afternoon before half time.
Curtis Jones had been forced off earlier, then Jota was taken off on a stretcher after Norgaard fell on him.
A treble injury blow has given Jurgen Klopp food for thought starting with Curtis JonesCredit: PA
Diogo Jota went on injured as moments after assisting the openerCredit: Reuters
Darwin Nunez netted but was taken off at half-timeCredit: Alamy

On came Salah to a chorus of welcome from the away fans.
The Egyptian King should have scored in the third of eight minutes of stoppage time, but Diaz’s cross just bounced off him.
Worse news for the Reds followed when Nunez did not emerge for the second half, and was replaced by Gakpo.
Diaz, the one Liverpool forward who deserved to go off, created an opening but sent his shot over the bar.
Then Salah wasted another fine opportunity.
Van Dijk’s header sent him clean through but his reluctance to use his right foot led to him jabbing a weird left-footed shot wide.
No matter. Moments later Salah made the second goal.
His pass found Mac Allister and the Argentinian World Cup winner outdid Kristoffer Ajer before jabbing home.
Ivan Toney pulled one goal back for the home teamCredit: PA
The result was Brentford’s eighth defeat in ten league gamesCredit: PA
Bradley, giving another fine performance in Alexander-Arnold’s place, just cleared the bar with his own effort.
Liverpool were finding life a little too easy, so Brentford boss Thomas Frank made a triple substitution.
Ajer’s block stopped Diaz earning Salah another assist. But soon he had a goal.
Gakpo won the header against Ajer, who was then let down by both his centre back partners.
Ben Mee just left the ball for Salah ran on to and when Nathan Collins came across, he failed to stop Salah hitting a shot across Flekken to make it 3-0.
The Bees felt a flutter of hope when Toney followed up to score after Kelleher made a superb stop from Sergio Reguilon.
The home team threatened little, though, until Collins was guilty of another rank piece of defending.
The former Wolves man allowed the ball to go through him, leaving Diaz to find Gakpo and the Dutchman to find the net.
Flekken kept out a late Harvey Elliott free kick, Van Dijk hit the bar and Kelleher made a save himself in between, but this was a relegation performance from Brentford.
Injuries may yet play a big role in whether this is a trophy-winning season for Liverpool.
Here’s what Liverpool have up next
Here’s what Brentford have up next
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TOTTENHAM host Wolves in a huge Premier League clash on THIS afternoon.Spurs are looking to continue their good form in the top flight and extend their unbeaten run to six games.
Wolves will be aiming to bounce back from their 2-0 home defeat to Brentford last time out.

Kick off time: 3pm GMT
TV/Stream: Not available in UK due to the 3pm blackout.

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WEST HAM travel to the City Ground to take on Nottingham Forest in a huge Premier League clash this afternoon.The Hammers will be hoping to bounce back from their heavy 6-0 defeat at home to Arsenal last weekend.
Meanwhile, Forest have taken just one point from their last four games and are sliding towards to bottom three.

Kick off time: 3pm GMT
TV/Stream: Not available in the UK due to 3pm blackout

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NEWCASTLE welcome Bournemouth to Tyneside for a Saturday Premier League affair.A double from Bruno Guimaraes followed by Fabian Schar’s first-half stoppage-time strike helped the Toon see off Nottingham Forest last weekend.
And Eddie Howe’s men will be determined to pile further pressure on Bournemouth who recently lost to Fulham.

Kick-off time: 3pm GMT
Live stream/TV channel: Not televised in the UK

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