Leeds United began life under new manager with a loss to Leicester City. It has been a disastrous season for them as they’re battling to maintain their distance from the relegation zone. Sadio Mane’s goal proved to be the difference between Liverpool and West Ham. Chelsea put four past Burnley despite all the off-field noise surrounding the club.
It has been a disastrous season for Leeds who have struggled to get into rhythm due to frequent and long-term injuries to several key players. As a result, they had to part ways with legendary manager Marcelo Bielsa, who earned them promotion back to the top-flight after 16 years.
However, American manager Jesse Marsch was unable to begin his tenure with Leeds on a positive note. Despite playing the fancy brand of football that has become synonymous with the side from Yorkshire, Leeds went down 1-0 because of a Harvey Barnes goal in the 67th minute. Barnes played a quick one-two with Iheanacho and then beat Illan Meslier from a tight angle to steer his side into the lead against the run of play.
At Anfield, Liverpool kept up the pressure on league leaders and defending champions Manchester City with a narrow 1-0 win over West Ham. The Reds were far from their best and on another day with more clinical finishes, the Hammers would have returned back home with an impressive win.
However, Sadio Mane’s goal in the 27th minute helped Liverpool register their 12th consecutive victory. Mane latched on to a cross-cum-shot from Trent Alexander-Arnold and fired home from close range beating Lukasz Fabianski in goal. VAR replays confirmed the goal as the Senegalese had just managed to time his run to perfection.
The Reds continue to trail City by three points at the top of the table. The latter will be under pressure heading into the Manchester derby on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Chelsea posted an impressive 0-4 win away from home against Burnley to shut out the external noise and distraction surrounding the club. Russian owner Roman Abramovich has decided to put the club up for sale after the threat of facing sanctions from the UK government following his close ties with president Vladimir Putin.
On the pitch, however, Thomas Tuchel’s side ran riot with Reece James, Kai Havertz and Christian Pulisic all getting on the scoresheet with the German leading the line and finding a brace for himself at Turf Moor.
