LONDON – Manchester City has risen to the top of the English Premier League season 2022/23 after matchday 34 last Sunday.
The defending champion succeeded to obtain three points despite a good challenge from Fulham in Craven Cottage, to hail eight consecutive wins in the EPL.
A penalty kick from Erling Haaland in the early third minute plus a wonderful long shot from Julian Alvarez, brought the Blue Moons to surpass Arsenal and now stand on the throne with 76 points, one point ahead of the Gunners.
Pep Guardiola’s squad showed their unstoppable performance recently, getting 15 wins and three draws in their last 18 matches, including a 4-1 victory over Arsenal last week.
Now, the Cities hold a bright chance to retain the EPL title with six league games left, and also probably to win the UEFA Champions League and FA Cup trophies.
Haaland updates record
After the match, Haaland has scored a total of 50 goals this season among all competitions, updating the goal record of a Premier League player in history.
The Norwegian collected 34 league goals this season so far, the same as Alan Shearer and Andrew Cole who did this during the 42 matches/season era.
Now, the 22 years old forward has a huge probability to break the record above, as he has six league matches left before season end.
Man United and Newcastle win
On the same day, Manchester United beat Aston Villa 1-0 at Old Trafford, holding fourth place in the EPL table with two points behind Newcastle and one game yet to play.
The only goal from Bruno Fernandes in the 39th minute ended the brilliant condition of the Villans, who stayed unbeaten for ten matches before last Sunday.
Meanwhile, Newcastle performed a comeback to defeat Southampton 3-1 at St. James Park, maintained third position to secure a ticket to the Champions League next season.
Two goals from Callum Wilson and an own goal from Theo Walcott not only gave the Magpies three consecutive wins, but also put the Saints at the edge of relegation, as they are struggling in the bottom with only 24 points.
Liverpool’s dramatic win
Liverpool beat Tottenham Hotspur in such a dramatic way, they took the Spurs 4-3 down at Anfield on Sunday with the last goal appearing in 90+4th minute.
The Reds led 3-0 in the first half, but conceded two goals later before the additional time of the second half.
The equaliser from Richarlison in the 90+3’ once gave the visiting team a glad moment to collect a point, but the deciding goal from Diogo Jota one minute after wiped the Brazilian’s effort.
Jurgen Klopp’s squad is now in fifth place, two points ahead of Tottenham with one game yet to play, grasping an advantage to attend the Europa League next season.
London derby: Arsenal Vs Chelsea
On Tuesday night, a London derby will be played as the most focused game in the EPL matchday 34.
Arsenal will face Chelsea at Emirates Stadium, a crucial rivalry in order to reclaim the first position from Manchester City.
The Gunners are widely expected to defeat the Blue Lions who are in disastrous condition, unable to win in their last eight matches including five losses in a row recently.
However, the Red London are also under-performing, getting three draws and one loss in their last four EPL games.
If Mikel Arteta failed to bring his team to hunt the Lions down tonight, they might lose the league title earlier before the last two matchdays.