Rolling Stone India Pitch: Manchester Is Red

Matchday 29 of the Premier League saw the Manchester derby swing United’s way, Tottenham Hotspur dropping points to Burnley while Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool all picking up wins.

After being beaten 2-1 in the Premier League in December at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City looked to exact revenge over rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford. However, the red side of Manchester had the last laugh as United picked up a 2-0 win with goals from Anthony Martial and Scott McTominay sealing the victory. The win meant United managed to pull off the league double against City for the first time in 10 years.

United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said after the game, “We feel we are improving all the time.” City coach Pep Guardiola said, “We did our game but unfortunately we conceded a goal. They waited for our mistakes.” The loss meant that City are now 25 points behind league leaders Liverpool who need just two more wins to wrap up the title after picking up a 2-1 win over Bournemouth on Saturday.

Although Bournemouth went ahead early at Anfield through Callum Wilson, The Reds came back quickly with first-half goals from Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane. Liverpool’s James Milner also denied Bournemouth a way back into the game with a crucial goal-line clearance. Speaking to BBC Sport after the game, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said, “You have to fight hard – that’s always the main thing to do – but we have 82 points now, which is really nice.”

Over at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal left it late to pick up a crucial three points against fellow London club West Ham United. Striker Alexandre Lacazette slotted home from close range after midfielder Mesut Ozil provided him with a cushioned headed assist. The goal – originally disallowed for an offside call – stood after it was checked by the video assistant referee (VAR). Arsenal’s North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, however, dropped more points as they were held to a draw at Burnley. The Gunners are now only a point behind Spurs with a game in hand.

With Arsenal and Spurs mounting a Top 4 challenge, Chelsea couldn’t afford to slip up at home to Everton. The Blues’ coach Frank Lampard was taking on his previous manager Carlo Ancelotti who won the Premier League with Chelsea in 2009/10. Ancelotti’s Everton, however, suffered a 4-0 defeat at the hands of Chelsea with goals coming from all over the park as Mason Mount, Pedro, Willian and Olivier Giroud registered strikes. On the performances of Giroud, Pedro and Willian, Lampard said, “They are very good players. Everyone speaks about youth but we need experienced players. Oli came into the team and gets his goal. He is a great team-mate. I am really pleased there is a mix in this squad and those boys were really good today.”

Matchday 30 of the Premier League will see Arsenal travel to Brighton, Manchester City host Burnley, while Aston Villa welcomes Chelsea. Elsewhere, Spurs and United go head to head at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Everton plays Liverpool in the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park and more.