Manchester United fought back for a dramatic 2-1 win over Manchester City that angered their arch-rivals over a controversial VAR decision to allow Bruno Fernandes’ equaliser, while struggling Liverpool suffered a shock 3-0 defeat at Brighton on Saturday.
READ ALSO: Man United complete Weghorst’s loan signing
On a dramatic day in the Premier League, Everton boss Frank Lampard was pushed close to the sack as his struggling side were beaten 2-1 by relegation rivals Southampton.
With just 12 minutes left at Old Trafford, United followed up with Jack Grealish’s 60th-minute header in their second Manchester derby of the season.
But City’s title defense was dealt a devastating blow when Portugal midfielder Fernandes equalized in debatable fashion before Marcus Rashford scored United’s 82nd-minute winner.
Fernandes’ goal was the turning point and City boss Pep Guardiola and his players were worried after the flag went up for offside when Rashford ran onto Casemiro’s pass.
Rashford did not touch the ball and was deemed by VAR not to have interfered with play, but City are adamant that the England striker clearly interfered with defenders and goalkeeper Ederson.
“The first goal was a joke that could have been allowed,” City defender Manuel Akanji told BBC Sport.
“He ran 30 meters, he chased the ball. In the situation, I played him (Rashford) offside. I know he didn’t touch the ball, but for me it was clearly offside.
Guardiola insisted that Rashford’s run led to Akanji and Ederson’s reaction.
“The decision was for the referee, VAR, but our defenders made the line for Rashford,” he said.
“If we know that Fernandes, we don’t draw a line, we follow the action, and after the action intervene for Ederson.”
Third-placed United are now just one point behind second-placed City, who are in danger of losing their place in the title race this week.
A win for leaders Arsenal at north London rivals Tottenham on Sunday would take the Gunners eight points clear.
While City splutter, United are looking good after their ninth successive victory in all competitions.
Asked if he was in the title race, boss Erik ten Hag said: “The fans may be dreaming but we’re not. We’ve done well, that’s clear. There’s still a long way to go.”
– dull liverpool –
Liverpool’s hopes of salvaging a top-four finish from a difficult campaign suffered a major blow when Brighton won on the south coast.
After dominating the first half without making a breakthrough, Brighton deservedly took the lead in the 47th minute.
Joel Matip recklessly gave away possession to Alexis Mac Allister and he found Kaoru Mitoma, whose cross was perfectly weighted for the unmarked Solly March.
Liverpool were in disarray and six minutes later, March crashed a fine finish into the far corner from just inside the area.
Danny Welbeck wrapped up the victory, flicking March’s pass past Joe Gomez and volleying home.
Defeated at Brentford in their previous league game, Liverpool dropped to eighth place, seven points off the top four, and looked a shadow of the team that nearly won the quadruple last season.
Liverpool’s Merseyside rivals Everton are in a tougher position after Southampton won 2-1 at Goodison Park.
Everton’s board of directors did not attend the game due to “a real and credible threat to their safety”.
Everton chief executive Denise Barrett-Baxedale was reportedly attacked by fans and had her car vandalized following last week’s 4-1 home defeat by Brighton.
Everton have won just one of their last 13 games in all competitions and banners and flags calling for the venue were raised before kick-off.
Southampton fell behind in the 39th minute when Amadou Onana headed home Demarai Gray’s corner.
But less than two minutes into the second half, James Ward-Prowse collected Che Adams’ knock-down on the edge of the area and scored Southampton’s equaliser.
Ward-Prowse inflicted more pain in the 78th minute when he headed one of Jordan Pickford’s trademark free-kicks.
Southampton remain bottom of the table but are now behind second-placed Everton on goal difference alone
West Ham filled the final spot in the bottom three after a 1-0 defeat at Wolves saw the hosts move above the hapless Hammers.
Daniel Podence scored in the 48th minute to leave West Ham without a win in their last seven league games.
Brennan Johnson struck twice as Nottingham Forest beat midlands rivals Leicester 2-0 at the City Ground.