A double from Darwin Nunez in added time saved leader Liverpool at Brentford (2-0) on Saturday, in a 22nd day which saw Newcastle’s momentum shattered against Bournemouth (4-1) and Justin Kluivert.
Two draws against Manchester United and Nottingham Forest had thwarted the progress of Liverpool, although they were ideally launched in the title race.
The “Reds” were frustrated for a long time on Saturday at Brentford, a tough opponent who suffered 37 shots. They had to wait until added time to hit the mark thanks to Nunez, who scored twice in the space of two minutes (90th+1, 90th+3).
Arne Slot was inspired again as he brought on the Uruguayan striker as well as Harvey Elliott, who was also involved in the double.
The two sidekicks allow Liverpool to score 50 points, seven more than Arsenal (2nd, 43 pts), opposed to Aston Villa at the end of the afternoon.
The leader also has an additional cartridge to increase his lead with the derby against Everton to be played in a late match on February 12 at Goodison Park.
Kluivert, first name Justin
Earlier, Bournemouth abruptly ended Newcastle’s long series of victories (nine, including six in the league), beaten 4-1 at home after a hat-trick from Justin Kluivert.
The Dutchman had a blast at St James’ Park where he scored three times as many goals (6th, 44th, 90th+2), in one afternoon, as his father Patrick did in a Premier League season in the jersey of the Magpies (2004-2005).
The “Cherries” are now undefeated in ten league matches, where they occupy sixth place with 37 points awaiting the rest of the 22nd day.
-The club can hope to qualify, for the first time in its history, in a European competition. “Why don’t we dream big and see where we can get,” Kluivert said.
They will still have a lot to do in the next two matches, at home against Nottingham Forest and Liverpool.
Newcastle currently remains fourth with one point ahead of Chelsea (5th, 37 pts), opposed to Wolverhampton on Monday, and three ahead of Manchester City (7th, 35 pts), engaged on Sunday at Ipswich.
Double from Mateta
In the other matches of the afternoon, Fulham beat penultimate Leicester 2-0, weighed down by seven consecutive defeats. Ruud van Nistelrooy’s team is two points behind the current first non-relegation team, Wolverhampton, who have played a game less.
In the red zone two months ago, Crystal Palace is now in twelfth place after beating West Ham (2-0) on Saturday with a double from Jean-Philippe Mateta (48th and 89th).
The French Olympic vice-champion is going through a good phase since he has scored four goals in his last three championship matches.
Crystal Palace, undefeated for five games (two draws and three wins) has one point more than Manchester United, host of Brighton on Sunday.
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