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PEP GUARDIOLA said there was no room for slip-ups in what looks set to be a nip-and-tuck title race.Luckily for Manchester City, the only one here came from Brentford defender Kristoffer Ajer.
Erling Haaland broke the deadlock in the second halfCredit: Rex
The goal proved to be the winnerCredit: Reuters
The defender stumbled 19 minutes from time under pressure from his countryman Erling Haaland – of all people.
Eat your heart out Steven Gerrard.
And he would have known better than anyone that when it’s Haaland stood nearby, you know what happened next.
The forward answered his critics by bursting through on goal and beating Mark Flekken for his 17th league goal of the season.
Did anyone really doubt him?
He missed nine chances in the draw against Chelsea on Saturday and for the first time there were a few questions about him.
Yet the former Borussia Dortmund forward provided the answer in the only way he knows to put City firmly back on heels of Liverpool.
It was also a good time for Haaland to complete the set.
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He had scored against every Prem team in his 18 months in England – apart from Brentford. Well he has now.
Thomas Frank sprang a surprise by leaving out Neal Maupay – who was involved In a heated row with Kyle Walker when the two teams met 15 days ago.
Eight of the greatest players to never win the Ballon d’Or despite their incredible careers
That meant the pair were spared an awkward handshake when the teams lined up before the game.
Yet Guardiola had a surprise up his sleeve too, leaving Kevin De Bruyne on the bench and giving a first Prem start to Oscar Bobb.
Former Borussia Dortmund forward Haaland looked up for it as he won possession on the wing but then fired his shot straight at  Flekken.
Phil Foden, given a more central role in the absence of KDB, saw a stinging volley blocked then dragged another shot wide.
And Haaland – who wasted NINE chances against Chelsea at the weekend – saw a header and a volley go too high.
City had been well on top without getting their noses in front and they were almost caught out when Yoanne Wissa’s delightful pass sent Frank Onyeka away.
He shot tamely straight at Ederson – much to the dismay of Ivan Toney who was in a much better position to score.
The Bees forward took out his frustration on a 25 yard free-kick that whistled over the bar – but City were not having things their own way.
Rodri’s pass to the back post was nodded back across goal by Kyle Walker and Bernardo Silva got his bearings all wrong and planted his header wide.

Manuel Akanji’s dipping 25-yarder was pushed over by Flekken, who also got down well to palm away a Ruben Dias header.
The Bees keeper had an outstanding first half in the reverse fixture earlier this month – despite eventually conceding three – and was doing his bit again.
Watching Netherlands international boss Ronald Koeman must have been impressed.
When the Dutchman was finally beaten after some clever play from Bobb he was rescued by a goalline clearance from former City youth captain Ben Mee.
Just like in their games here against Everton and Chelsea, the treble winners had been below par in the first half.
Even so, they had managed 17 efforts on goal in the first half – six of them on target – but had not found a way through.
And Onyeka fired a warning that the Bees still posed a danger as his header needed a flying save from Ederson on the stroke of half-time.
You had to admire the way Frank’s men had dusted themselves down and regrouped after a thumping at the hands of Liverpool on Saturday.
Guardiola was trying to gee up the crowd in the early minutes of the second half but there was little from his team to get them going.
The manager made a change on the hour – throwing on Jeremy Doku in place of Bobb as his team had gone flat.
With the whole game on a knife edge, the last thing City needed to see was Maupay entering the stage a few minutes later.
He was booed onto the pitch but as one of the Prem’s leading pantomime villains he would probably have liked that.
He’d have liked the clattering challenge he got from- yep, you guessed it – Walker a few minutes later a little less.
Foden had a sight of goal when the ball was worked out to him on the edge of the box – but skied it miles over the bar.
It was beginning to look like it wasn’t going to be City’s night.
But when you have Haaland in your team, you always have a chance.
And after good work from Foden and Julian Alvarez he burst clear, took advantage of a slip from Ajer and slotted home.
Foden had the chance to put the seal on things when he went round the keeper but Flekken did enough to push it round the post. 
See how the game unfolded below… More

EVERTON host Crystal Palace in a huge Premier League clash on Monday Night Football.The Toffees are currently in the relegation zone and haven’t tasted victory in the top flight since before Christmas.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace are slipping towards the bottom three after losing back-to-back games in the Premier League.

Kick off time: 8pm GMT
TV/Stream: Sky Sports Premier League/NOW

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Follow our live blog below… More

MANCHESTER UNITED have secured a fourth straight win in the Premier League after beating strugglers Luton Town 2-1 at Kenilworth Road.Erik ten Hag’s men took the lead just 36 SECONDS in through Rasmus Hojlund’s early strike.
The Dane doubled his tally just minutes later after Alejandro Garnacho’s effort deflected off him and flew past Thomas Kaminski in goal.
Carlton Morris pulled one back for Luton on 14 minutes, but the goals dried up after a frantic start at Kenilworth Road.

Match result: Luton 1-2 Man Utd
Luton team: Kaminski, Mengi, Osho, Bell, Doughty, Lokonga, Barkley, Ogbene, Chong, Morris, Woodrow
Man Utd team: Onana, Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Shaw, Mainoo, Casemiro, Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford, Hojlund

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Ten Hag looking to continue form
Over their next five games, Man Utd have four fixtures they would expect to win.
They also have a Manchester derby thrown into the mix also.
It is the business end of the season now and the Red Devils have a real opportunity to put pressure on the sides above them.

Copy linkCopiedHojlund finding form in 2024
Rasmus Hojlund becomes the youngest player to score in six consecutive Premier League games today.
Having had a tough start to life at Old Trafford, the Danish striker has stuck to his game and has reaped the rewards.
He has formed a partnership with Rashford and Garnacho in the front three and they are a big reason Man Utd can now dream of getting a top four spot this season.

Copy linkCopiedRed Devils hold on for narrow win
Man Utd managed to take all the points from Kenilworth Road but it was by no means an easy victory.
Luton Town got themselves back into the game after going two goals down and created enough pressure to take something from this match.
Rob Edwards will be disappointed that his side could not do more with their possessionb but they did suffer a blow when their top scorer Elijah Adebayo suffered an injury in the warm up.
Read the full match report here.
Copy linkCopiedFT: Luton Town 1-2 Man Utd
You cannot fault the effort levels from Luton Town this afternoon.
Having gone two-nil down to two early strikes from the visitors, you feared they could be on the end of a hiding.
Instead, they regrouped and for the remainder of the game pressured the Red Devils and should have got at least a draw.

Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Jack Rosser at Kenilworth Road
Manchester United survive a rotten afternoon in Luton.
They did well to avoid a repeat of the end of the first half after the break but that was a bizarre game from start to finish.
If Luton can play like that against the teams around them and not just when the big boys turn up at the Kenny then they have a real chance of staying up, points deductions or not. 
Copy linkCopiedFT: Luton Town 1-2 Man Utd
The referee brings the game to a close.
So close but no cigar for Luton Town.
They had Man Utd on the ropes for a lot of the game but could not find that clincal edge in front of goal.
Copy linkCopiedLuton Town 1-2 Man Utd
90+4. As yet another corner comes in, Barkley gets up ahead of Rashford to head it.
His effort clips the top of the crossbar as it goes over.
That seemed to be the chance The Hatters were waiting for.
Copy linkCopiedLuton Town 1-2 Man Utd
90+2. Luton Town are forcing a series of corners but not able to create anything from them.
Fernandes picks up the ball sends Garnacho free.
The defender stands up to him and best he can do is to force a corner.
Copy linkCopiedLuton Town 1-2 Man Utd
90. Luton have yet another corner but the delivery is poor.
It allows Man Utd the chance to half clear the ball.
We are going to have four additional minutes here.
Copy linkCopiedLuton Town 1-2 Man Utd
88. Massive chance to put this game to bed.
Kaminski’s pass is cut out by Fernandes as he bears down on goal.
He looks to drill a shot into the far corner but it is just wide of the post.
Copy linkCopiedLuton Town 1-2 Man Utd
86. Hojlund is replaced for Amrabat.
It looks like Erik ten Hag is looking to defend the lead they have for the remainder of the game now.
The pressure is on Luton now to create that one clear-cut chance that can lead to a goal.
Credit: Reuters
Copy linkCopiedLuton Town 1-2 Man Utd
84. Townsend cuts in from the right wing and looks to get a shot away with his left foot.
It takes a massive deflection and goes out for a corner.
There is a huge roar from The Hatters fans, willing their side on to get a goal.
Copy linkCopiedLuton Town 1-2 Man Utd
82. Lindelof is shown a yellow card for a clumsy lunge.
Doughty is replaced by Berry for the closing stages of the game.
As Harry Styles watches on from the stands, the ball just seems to be heading in one direction at the moment.
Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Jack Rosser at Kenilworth Road
The ferocious atmosphere from the first half here at Kenilworth Road has calmed down a touch after the break.
Luton are still looking dangerous in spots but Manchester United have improved – from a very low bar – and cooled the home fans somewhat. 
Copy linkCopiedLuton Town 1-2 Man Utd
80. What a chance for Man Utd to seal the victory.
Garnacho does well getting to the byline and then looks to cut it back to Hojlund.
With only the keeper to beat, he seems to have the ball stuck under his feet and his shot is straight at Kaminski.
Copy linkCopiedLuton Town 1-2 Man Utd
78. As the ball is crossed into the box, it falls to Osho.
He looks to get a shot away, with the goal at his mercy.
Man Utd throw bodies in front of the effort and manage to block.
Credit: Getty
Copy linkCopiedLuton Town 1-2 Man Utd
76. Mainoo is booked for a challenge on Clark.
Dangerous position for Luton Town to capitalise.
Barkley and Doughty are stood over the set piece once again.
Copy linkCopiedLuton Town 1-2 Man Utd
74. Evans is penalised for a foul on Townsend on the halfway line.
Man Utd are looking to drop deep when Luton Town have the ball, inviting them to try and break them down.
When The Hatters play at a fast pace, they seem to stretch the visitors’ defence and look capable of scoring.
Copy linkCopiedLuton Town 1-2 Man Utd
72. Fernandes goes down calling for a free kick but the referee is not interested.
It is difficult to predict a winner in this game.
If Man Utd manage to hold on for all three points, Rob Edwards would have to look at this an opportunity missed.
Copy linkCopiedLuton Town 1-2 Man Utd
70. Rashford wins a free kick on the edge of the box for the visitors.
Fernandes stands over the set piece and looks to go for goal.
Kaminski punches the ball clear.
Copy linkCopiedLuton Town 1-2 Man Utd
68. Both Clark and Townsend have come on for the hosts.
Morris seems to be dropping deeper looking for the ball now.
He seems more effective higher up the pitch, offering himself as a focal point for the Luton attacks.
Credit: Alamy
Copy linkCopiedLuton Town 1-2 Man Utd
66. Man Utd seem happy to pass the ball around and protect their lead.
It could be a dangerous tactic if The Hatters manage to score.
Garnacho is clean through on the break, with only the keeper to beat.
Once again they look to round the keeper but Kaminski gets a hand to it.
The Man Utd winger picks up the loose ball but his shot is blocked by a mixture of defender and keeper.
Copy linkCopiedLuton Town 1-2 Man Utd
64. There is still plenty of the game remaining for Luton to change their fortunes.
Chong looks to get a shot away from the edge of the box but it is well blocked by Evans.
Doughty picks up the ball and looks to cross, winning a corner in the process.
Copy linkCopiedLuton Town 1-2 Man Utd
62. Barkley is hauled to the ground but the referee plays the advantage.
The move breaks down and Man Utd recycle the ball, playing it all the way back to Onana.
Bruno Fernandes is seeing a lot more of the ball in this second half.
Copy linkCopiedLuton Town 1-2 Man Utd
60. Barkley is such an integral part of this Luton Town team.
His creativity and experience links their midfield and attack so well.
United counter and Fernandes takes the ball around Kaminski, he looks to slot the ball into the empty net but a fantastic sliding challenge blocks the effort.
The Man Utd skipper kicks the ball into the advertising boards in anger.
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MANCHESTER UNITED will be hoping to make it four wins on the bounce when they face Luton Town TODAY.And Erik ten Hag has been handed a huge boost as Luke Shaw has been passed fit to start after injury concerns.
The Red Devils have been in good form of late having beaten the likes of Wolves, West Ham and Aston Villa in recent weeks.
Luton Town go into the match just one point above the bottom three in the Premier League.

Kick-off time: 4:30pm GMT
Live stream: NOW TV
TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event / Sky Sports Premier League
Luton team: Kaminski, Mengi, Osho, Bell, Doughty, Lokonga, Barkley, Ogbene, Chong, Morris, Adebayo
Man Utd team: Onana, Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Shaw, Mainoo, Casemiro, Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford, Hojlund

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Visitors favourites for the win
The bookies fancy a Man Utd win at Kenilworth Road this afternoon.
Luton 16/5
Draw 3/1
Man Utd 3/4
All match odds brought to you by OLBG.
Copy linkCopiedRed Devils need to tame the crowd
Coming to a ground like Kenilworth Road, which will have a fiery atmosphere, the visitors will need to try and silence the fans.
Erik ten Hag’s side will be looking for an early goal to turn the tide for them this afternoon.
Whoever gets the first goal in this game could prove to be a pivotal moment in this Premier League match.
Credit: Getty
Copy linkCopiedMan Utd subs:
1. Bayindir, 35. Evans, 2. Lindelof, 16. Amad, 4. Amrabat, 14. Eriksen, 62. Forson, 39. McTominay, 21. Antony
Copy linkCopiedMan Utd starting XI:
Erik ten hag names the same side that faced Aston Villa as Luke Shaw passed a fitness test for today’s game.
24. Onana, 20. Dalot, 19. Varane, 5. Maguire, 23. Shaw, 37. Mainoo, 18. Casemiro, 17. Garnacho, 8. Fernandes, 10. Rashford, 11. Hojlund
Credit: @ManUtd
Copy linkCopiedLuton Town subs:
23. Krul, 8. Berry, 10. Woodrow, 12. Kabore, 16. Burke, 17. Mpanzu, 18. Clark, 30. Townsend, 43. Nelson
Copy linkCopiedLuton Town starting XI:
Mengi and Chong return to the starting line-up for The Hatters as they face their old employers.
24. Kaminiski, 15. Mengi, 2. Osho, 29. Bell, 14. Chong, 28. Lokonga, 6. Barkley, 45. Doughty, 7. Ogbene, 9. Morris, 11. Adebayo
Credit: @LutonTown
Copy linkCopiedStriker finding his feet at Old Trafford
After taking some time to acclimatise to life in the Premier League, Rasmus Hojlund is now amongst the goals.
Confidence is a major factor when it comes to a forward and the Danish striker seems to be enjoying his football.
Hojlund will be looking to add to his tally at Kenilworth Road this afternoon.
Copy linkCopiedBoss has ‘feel good factor’ once again
Speaking about the changes at the club since Sir Jim Ratcliffe bought a 25% stake in Man Utd:
I’m working, I’m happy now, in this construction. When things change, they will tell me, but as I’ve said, at a club like this you can not do everything alone, it’s impossible. You need very good people around you and United always need to look for better. Good is not good enough.Erik ten HagMan Utd
Copy linkCopiedHosts still missing their leader
Luton Town skipper Tom Lockyer continues his long road back to revoery after suffering a cardiac episode earlier in the season.
Fans will be pleased to see him in and around the squad more now as he is at Kenilworth Road once again.
It is not known if he will play again this season, but The Hatters really miss their club captain.
Credit: Alamy
Copy linkCopiedHome is where the heart is
If they are to stand any chance of surviving in the Premier League, Rob Edwards needs to turn Kenilworth Road into a fortress.
Last weekend just proved to be all too easy for someone to pick up points against them.
Luton Town need to start showing some of the grit that has made it all so difficult for some of the bigger sides to come here this season and come away with all the points.
Copy linkCopiedDramatic win keeps hopes alive
Man Utd joined an illustrious group of sides who have managed to win at Villa Park this season.
The Red Devils led as a result of Rasmus Hojliund’s goal before Douglas Luiz equalised for Unai Emery’s side.
However, a late Scott McTominay goal was enough to steal all three points and keep Man Utd’s slim hopes of a top four spot alive.
Copy linkCopiedTime is of the essence for Hatters
Rob Edwards’ side need to start finding wins if they are to stand any chance of remaining a Premier League side for next season.
They currently sit one point outside of the bottom three but with Everton facing a Crystal Palace side on a poor run of form, Luton need to try and pick up some points this afternoon.
The Hatters were humbled by bottom of the league Sheff Utd in their last home game and will be hoping to put in a better showing today.
Copy linkCopiedWelcome to Luton Town v Man Utd
Rob Edwards’ side welcome Man Utd to Kenilworth Road as the visitors look for a fifth consecutive win in all competitions as they look to continue to chase down the top four.
After their humbling defeat at home to Sheff Utd, the only real positive for Edwards was that he had no fresh injury concerns after the game.
Mads Andersen, Marvelous Nakamba and Tom Lockyer as still casualties for The Hatters, while Rob Edwards is also looking to give new signing Daiki Hashioka more time to acclimatise to life in England before thrusting him into the squad.
Teden Mengi, who was only fit enough for a place on the bench last time out should return to the starting XI, while former United midfielder Tahith Chong will scrap Andros Townsend to demote Jordan Clark to the dugout.
It is unknown whether Luke Shaw will feature this afternoon after being withdrawn at half time against Aston Villa, he will face a late fitness test for this one.
Meanwhile Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Tyrell Malacia, Anthony Martial, Lisandro Martinez and Mason Mount all remain absent due to injury.
Victor Lindelof will step in once again if Luke Shaw is not fit enough to start the game this afternoon.
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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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