Ben's Football Blog

The most intense rivalry in English football sees Liverpool comfortably return to the top of the Premier League through two second-half deflections from Anfield’s new super-sub, Xherdan Shaqiri. Despite Jose Mourinho's pre-match comments on Jürgen Klopp's side, the Reds seemed unphased by any challenge as the supporters made their presence known. I played against a Liverpool side who was a European champion, and I don’t know if this one is better or not I know the another one was European champion and this one won nothing. So I think I have to respect the ones that did it.  Liverpool quickly responded as they took an early lead courtesy of a well played goal by Sadio Mané. However, goalkeeper Alisson’s unsteady hands let Manchester United's Jesse Lingard steal a brace for an equaliser that changed the complexion of the game. At 1-1 there was a considerable period when Liverpool looked short of ideas. An adventurous move from Klopp, replacing Naby Keïta with Shaqiri ...

Liverpool's hero Mohamed Salah gave up his man-of-the-match award to James Milner on his 500th Premier League appearance, after celebrating a comfortable 4-0 win against Bournemouth. This saw the Reds finally take first place in the Premier League. After nearly all season in the lead, Manchester City were now trailing Liverpool by one point, with a game in hand against Chelsea. The champions dominated the early stages of the game but were caught on the counterattack seconds before half-time when N'Golo Kante scored with Chelsea's first shot on target. Manchester City were left surprisingly toothless, chasing the game after Luiz found himself heading home Chelsea's second from a corner in the 78th minute. Having had their attitude and mentality questioned by Maurizio Sarri following the defeat to Wolves earlier on in the week, this was a response from his side. Sarri wants his team to carry their form into the rest of December, when they will play against Brighton ...

Did anyone really believe that Manchester City could lose to Bournemouth? Whilst the Cherries have been enjoying a brilliant season under new manager Eddie Howe and sit comfortably in 9th place, Manchester City have been running rampage with the Premier League title defense. Many thought it would be too good to be true but Pep Guardiola's men have continued their unbeaten run with a 3-1 win over Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium last Saturday. Goals from Bernardo Silva, Raheem Sterling and Ilkay Gundogan sealed the win against the Cherries, to secure their sixth league win in a row. This sees the Citizens five-points clear of chasers Liverpool, who have sealed their three points this weekend against neighbours Everton.  City took the lead after the first 16 minutes through Bernardo Silva's shot, but Bournemouth got a deserved equaliser late in the half as Callum Wilson's fine header found the top corner right before the half-time whistle. It was Sterling who ...