Soccer
Manchester City remain on course to successfully defend the English Premier League title. The “Citizens” won the top game against Chelsea 1-0 (0-0) on Saturday and are 13 points ahead of their closest pursuer.
The goal of the game was scored by Belgian superstar Kevin de Bruyne (70th). The 30-year-old scored a well-deserved lead for the home side with a precise low shot from the second row, after which the guests didn’t have much of a chance to equalize.
Man City was the superior team in front of their home crowd for long stretches, had more possession and finished more often than Champions League winners Chelsea. Romelu Lukaku had the best chance for the guests from London shortly after the break, but the Belgian was denied by the strong City keeper Ederson.
Coach Josep Guardiola’s side have celebrated their twelfth win in a row and are comfortably leading the table with 56 points after 22 games. Behind the “Blues” from London, Liverpool is the third force, the “Reds” (42) have played two games less.
North London Derby postponed
Shortly after the final whistle in Manchester, it was announced that the Premier League hit on Sunday could not take place. The north London derby between Tottenham and Arsenal has been postponed because the “Gunners” do not have enough operational kickers due to CoV infections, injuries and players seconded for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Southampton-Serie endet in Wolverhampton
For Southampton and coach Ralph Hasenhüttl, a 3-1 loss at Wolverhampton Wanderers was the first defeat after five competition games. Watford drew 1-1 at Newcastle United, with ÖFB team goalie Daniel Bachmann sitting on the bench for the first time since November 20 and seven appearances in a row.
Norwich City beat Everton 2-1 at home, handing over the Red Lantern to Burnley. Despite one of the highest budgets in the league, the “Toffees” are only 15th, and coach Rafa Benitez is likely to say goodbye.
In the evening game, Manchester United did not get more than 2-2 at Aston Villa. After a double strike from Bruno Fernandes (6th, 67th), the “Red Devils” already looked like the certain winner, Jacob Ramsey (77th) and Philippe Coutinho (82nd), loaned from Barcelona, secured coach Steven’s club Gerrard but one more point. Seventh in the table, ManUnited are already 24 points behind city rivals ManCity with two games less.
