EPL roundup: Chelsea inflict first defeat on Man City as Liverpool go top

Chelsea ended Manchester City’s unbeaten run with a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge, thanks to goals from N’Golo Kante and David Luiz.

The Blues were on the ropes in the first half, defending for the most part and successfully limiting City to a few shots from distance.

Maurizio Sarri’s men stuck to their task and nicked the opener on the stroke of half time, against the run of play.

Willian led a Chelsea counter-attack and fed Eden Hazard, who held up play before laying the ball for an on-rushing Kante to smash it into the roof of the net.

City continued to dominate proceedings in the second period but met a resolute Chelsea who, buoyed by the lead, further restricted Guardiola’s champagne football, while also proving dangerous on the counter.

The London club doubled the lead on 79 minutes from their first corner kick of the match. Defender, David Luiz, converted the delivery, heading in off the bar to cap a complete performance, sending the crowd into frenzy mode.

The win ends Chelsea’s two-game losing run, while Man City lost for the first time this season. They also fail to score for only the second time this season.

Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah scored thrice for Liverpool in the 4-0 defeat of Bournemouth to take his season’s tally to 10 league goals. His team currently occupy the top position in the EPL, courtesy of the win.

Elsewhere, Nigeria’s attacking midfielder, Alex Iwobi played the second 45 minutes as Arsenal overcame Huddersfield 1-0, thanks to Lucas Torreira’s stunning bicycle kick on 83 minutes.

The Gunners had two goals controversially ruled out but showed determination to grind out the win, making it 21 games unbeaten for Unai Emery and his boys in all competitions.

Super Eagles’ defender, Leon Balogun, played 90 minutes but Brighton lost 0-1 at Burnley. James Tarkowski scored in the 40th minute to earn the Clarets their first win in nine games.

Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho were also on the losing side with Leicester City, succumbing to a 0-2 defeat to Tottenham. Ndidi played all 90 minutes while Iheanacho was substituted after 56 minutes.

Also, Manchester United, without Paul Pogba, won 4-1 against 10-man Fulham at Old Trafford, thanks to goals from Ashley Young, Juan Mata and Romelu Lukaku in the first half, while Marcus Rashford added the fourth in the second period.

Results

Bournemouth 0 – 4 Liverpool

Arsenal 1 – 0 Huddersfield

Burnley 1 – 0 Brighton & Hove Albion

Cardiff City  1 – 0 Southampton

Manchester United  4 – 1 Fulham

West Ham United  3 – 2 Crystal Palace

Chelsea    2 – 0 Manchester City

Leicester City     0 – 2 Tottenham Hotspur