Andy Cole praised Bruno Fernandes’ ‘creativity’ and ‘passing ability’
Both Ferdinand and Cole have deep ties to Old Trafford, accumulating over 500 appearances between them, as they shared their insights on the latest criticisms aimed at Bruno Fernandes.
Cole spoke reverently about Fernandes after Ferdinand posed the question, “Would you have liked to play with someone like him?”
“Yes, he’s got great ability,” Cole said.
“Not just the goals that he scores, but I think his creativity as well; he sees the pass. He always wants to get on the ball. He’s always striving to do the right thing.
“I really do like him, and I think if Manchester United didn’t have him, especially this season, they’d have really struggled without him because he’s their talisman.”
Despite Cole’s glowing praise, Fernandes has faced a barrage of criticisms this season, which range from disciplinary issues after two red cards to a decline in his goals and assists.
The latest critique came from the outspoken Roy Keane.
On the newest episode of The Overlap, the former Manchester United captain unleashed a scathing assessment of Fernandes, stating, “Talent is not enough. Bruno’s a talented player, but talent is not enough!”
Keane also highlighted the crucial need for leadership through action, casting doubt on Fernandes’ overall contribution to the club.
Reacting to Keane’s assessment, Ferdinand said, “Talking about waving his arms and shouting, Keane was Manchester United captain, and he’s lauded for that.
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Fernandes has faced a barrage of criticism this seasonCredit: Getty
“The Manchester United captain now, Bruno Fernandes, gets hammered for that. Why do you think one is allowed to do it and one isn’t?” Ferdinand asked.
Cole replied, “Different generations.”
“If you look at captains back then, a majority of the captains were very vocal. Very abusive, the way they’d speak to people. But that’s what we were used to.
“If you look at Bruno now, I ain’t going to lie, I love Bruno. I like the way he plays; the captains are in a totally different way.
“You don’t see many people waving their arms around in today’s game. People look at him and say, ‘What’s he waving his arms for?’ The guy is frustrated.
“I’ve never dismissed that because that was the generation I grew up with. Captains waving their arms around and getting abusive; it is what it is. When you’re on that football pitch, anything goes to make you win a football match.”
Keane’s harsh words led to Ferdinand revealing how he treated younger players during his time at Old Trafford.
“If Roy was playing now, he couldn’t lead his team the way he used to back then,” Cole said.
“I think players today might just shut down with someone like Roy because the way I see Roy, even players that weren’t in the first team, he’s almost ended their careers before they started. His tongue was poisonous at times.
“He said to a young kid, Michael Stuart, a young Scottish kid, a talented footballer, Roy said to him one day, ‘In a couple of years you’re going to be a pub team player.’
“Stuart is looking at Keane in the same position, his hero probably, and Keane is just destroying him. I just saw the life drain out of his body,” Ferdinand said.
Manchester United’s next challenge looms as they prepare for an away match in the Europa League against Real Sociedad this Thursday.
After a disappointing loss in the FA Cup on Sunday against Fulham, the Europa League stands as United’s last opportunity to salvage some pride from what has been a challenging season.
Salah is putting his name among Premier League iconsCredit: Getty
The Egyptian was directly involved in both goals at the Etihad, which marked the eleventh Premier League match this campaign in which he’s both scored and assisted.
This is the most by a player in a single season in one of Europe’s big five leagues since Messi for Barcelona in the 2014/15 season, also on 11.
Overall, Salah already has 41 goal contributions in the English top-flight alone this term and has another 11 games to break all records.
The 32-year-old is just six short of the Premier League record, but that’s halved for the best individual tally in a 38-game season.
Who has the record for most goals and assists in a Premier League season?
Alan Shearer and Andy Cole share the mantle for the most goal contributions in a single Premier League season with 47.
The former achieved the feat in Blackburn’s title-winning campaign in 1994/95, with Cole having done for Newcastle the year before.
However, an important distinction is that both of those achievements came in a 42-game season when the Premier League had 22 teams.
Since the introduction of a 38-game season in 1995/96, Thierry Henry and Erling Haaland share the record with 44 goal contributions each.
Arsenal‘s iconic Frenchman Henry scored 24 goals and provided 20 assists during his historic 2002/03 campaign.
Haaland meanwhile matched that contribution in his opening season in England, scoring 36 goals alongside providing eight assists.
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Salah is on the verge of equalling his incredible first season at Liverpool
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*42-game season, **Missed first five matches due to suspension
That latter achievement is the most goals scored in a single Premier League campaign, with the Norwegian two ahead of Cole.
The joint record is somewhat controversial, with Man City superstar De Bruyne believing he should hold the feat outright.
The Belgian has previously argued that some of his assists that year was wrongfully taken away from him and that he should be on more.
As reported by goal, De Bruyne said: “I have got two more – you guys took two away from me that I am still claiming so for me I was already above [Henry].
“It is what it is. I need my teammates, obviously I am creating for them to score, and I am grateful when they do. It is nice to have [the record] and it is nice to have it with Thierry.”
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De Bruyne and Henry share the Premier League assist record for a single seasonCredit: AFP
Most Assists in a Premier League Season
Thierry Henry – Arsenal (2002/03 – 20)
Kevin De Bruyne – Man City (2019/20 – 20)
Mesut Ozil – Arsenal (2015/16 – 19)
Cesc Fabregas – Chelsea (2014/15 – 18)
Frank Lampard – Chelsea (2004/05 – 18)
Kevin De Bruyne – Man City (2016/17 – 18)
Ironically, both of his alleged assists came against Arsenal, with De Bruyne’s cross for Raheem Sterling‘s goal in a 3-0 win in December 2019 taking a slight deflection so didn’t get counted.
In the reverse fixture, KDB teed up Sterling again that June but missed out on the assist as the ball hit David Luiz on the thigh.
1 Erling Haaland (Manchester City) 36 2022-23
2 Andy Cole (Newcastle United) 34 1993-94
2 Alan Shearer (Blackburn Rovers) 34 1994-95
4 Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) 32 2017-18
5 Alan Shearer (Blackburn Rovers) 31 1993-94
5 Alan Shearer (Blackburn Rovers) 31 1995-96
5 Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United) 31 2007-08
5 Luis Suarez (Liverpool) 31 2013-14
9 Kevin Phillips (Sunderland) 30 1999-00
9 Thierry Henry (Arsenal) 30 2003-04
9 Robin van Persie (Arsenal) 30 2011-12
9 Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur) 30 2017-18 and 2022-23
What are the lyrics to Liverpool fans’ chant for ‘The Egyptian King’ Mo Salah?
Cole Palmer once again dazzled on his landmark appearance – but failed to stop Chelsea from creating unwanted Premier League history.
The 22-year-old marked his 50th top-flight start with another wonder goal, but his smile was wiped from his face as Fulham fought back to win their first match at Stamford Bridge since 1979.
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Palmer was on target yet again for Chelsea on a landmark appearanceCredit: Getty
Late strikes from Harry Wilson and Rodrigo Muniz stunned the hosts in what was their first goals at Chelsea’s home in seven attempts.
Fulham’s win is just their third win at Stamford Bridge in club history, having won 2-1 and 2-0 in 1964 and 1979 respectively.
Chelsea looked to be on course to close the gap on leaders Liverpool to a point following Palmer’s early opener.
The Chelsea playmaker found the back of the net in the 16th minute with a beautiful effort from outside the box.
Palmer slalomed past Andreas Pereira and Sasa Lukic before coolly slotting into Bernd Leno’s near post to bring up his 12th Premier League goal of the season.
His goal means he has now been directly involved in 52 goals from his opening 50 top-flight starts.
In that time, Palmer has chipped in with 34 goals and 18 assists.
Only his ex-Manchester City teammate Erling Haaland [64] and Manchester United legend Andy Cole [57] have been involved in more goals from their first 50 Premier League starts.
What is even more impressive is that both of those players are strikers.
Whereas Palmer has spent the majority of his career as a No.10, while also operating on the right wing on occasions.
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Palmer is regarded as one of the best players in the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
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England international Palmer was everywhere in the west London derby
All but three of his 50 Premier League starts has come during his time at Chelsea.
He was named in Pep Guardiola’s XI at City just three times – chipping in with a solitary assist.
Palmer has enjoyed a stunning 2024 so far, where he has been directly involved in 39 Premier League goals.
Incredibly, that is more than what Haaland managed in 2023 [38 goals]
But unfortunately for Palmer, his goal failed to matter following a late collapse in the west London derby.
Wilson popped up with an 82nd minute equaliser after heading home in off the post from inside the six-yard box.
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Wilson headed in from close range to level the gameCredit: AFP
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Before Muniz struck in stoppage time to give Fulham a famous victoryCredit: Getty
And in the fifth minute of added time, Muniz sent the away fans into pandemonium after firing low into the corner following a blistering counter-attack.
Chelsea can now be leapfrogged by Arsenal into second spot should the Gunners beat Ipswich at the Emirates on Friday night.
Palmer spoke of his disappointment when speaking to Amazon Prime following the match, as he stated results against Fulham is why many pundits have stated Chelsea’s can’t win the league.
He said: “Yeah [it stings]. We were winning for most of the game, but to lose at the end is difficult.
“First half we played well and controlled the game and had quite a few chances. Second half we lost a bit of control.
“They’re a good transition team and like to run direct, we got caught up in their game and paid the price.”
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Chelsea came away with nothing despite leading Fulham at the break
“We knew we weren’t going to win every game. It is the manager’s first season with us. We are learning.
“Everyone said from the start we aren’t title contenders. We are just getting better as a team and growing.”
The Premier League has played host to countless iconic strikers, from legends of the game to cult heroes and one-season wonders.
It makes for an extremely difficult task when it comes to whittling down the list for the greatest forwards of the Premier League era.
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Haaland is one of the best strikers in the world right now and not just in the Premier LeagueCredit: AFP
But, as is often the case with lists centred around a hotly-debated topic, some big names will inevitably be omitted.
That’s exactly what happened when former Premier League striker Darren Bent revealed his list of the greatest forwards to have played in the top flight.
Bent knows what he’s talking about when it comes to goals, having scored 106 in the Premier League across stints at Ipswich Town, Charlton, Tottenham, Sunderland, Aston Villa and Fulham.
He revealed his selections for his top ten Premier League strikers when it was put to him that Jamie Vardy was worthy of a spot in the top ten list for greatest goal-getters.
After all, the Leicester man is 37 years old and still scoring and set a record of scoring in 11 straight games when Leicester won an unlikely title in 2016 and he won the Premier League Player of the Season.
As good as he is, though, Vardy doesn’t make the cut. Making a list of the best ever is harder to do than you might think.
The inclusion of Drogba may have raised some eyebrows given the Chelsea hero finished with 12 or less Premier League goals in seven out of his nine seasons in the top flight.
However, Bent, who came up against Drogba several times in his career, believed the Chelsea great was more than worthy of a spot in his list.
“I played against Drogba in his pomp,” Bent said on talkSPORT Drive.
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Drogba was a driving force for ChelseaCredit: AFP
“I think too often people look at his numbers and go, ‘How can he be up there?’
“But he was strong, powerful, could score goals. He was the centre forward when Chelsea had all the success. He was one of the main players in that team.”
Bent, a passionate Arsenal fan, then addressed the absence of Van Persie, who scored 144 goals in 280 Premier League appearances.
Rio Ferdinand reveals Sir Alex Ferguson hammered Paul Scholes and Wayne Rooney for not passing to Robin Van Persie at Manchester United
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Van Persie scored a total of 132 goals for Arsenal and 58 for Man United and was the 14th highest Premier League scorer of all time
“I know there’s people that I’ve left out, like Van Persie,” Bent said.
“Maybe that’s a bit personal because of the way he left Arsenal.”
Bent also explained why he left out Michael Owen, who was the last English player to win the Ballon d’Or.
“With Owen, when he first burst onto the scene, I’ve never seen anything like it, other than Rooney,” he explained.
“I was like, ‘Oh my goodness gracious.’ Michael Owen was incredible, but I look towards the hamstring injuries.”
Darren Bent’s top ten Premier League strikers
Thierry Henry – 175 goals (Arsenal)
Alan Shearer – 260 goals (Blackburn and Newcastle)
Harry Kane – 213 goals (Tottenham and Norwich City)
Wayne Rooney – 208 goals (Everton and Man United)
Sergio Aguero – 184 goals (Man City)
Ruud van Nistelrooy – 95 goals (Man United)
Ian Wright – 113 goals (Arsenal and West Ham)
Andy Cole – 187 goals (Newcastle, Man United, Blackburn, Fulham, Man City, Portsmouth and Sunderland)
Luis Suarez – 69 goals (Liverpool)
Didier Drogba – 104 goals (Chelsea)
Bent acknowledged Owen had won the Ballon d’Or but still feels Henry deserved his spot on the list considering he if often labelled the greatest ever Premier League player.
ERLING HAALAND
However, Bent may be forced to revise his list by the end of the season if a certain Norwegian maintains his frightening goal record.
Manchester City’s Erling Haaland bagged his second hat-trick of the 2024/25 Premier League season as his side overcame West Ham last weekend.
Haaland’s three strikes took his league goal tally to 70 goals from 69 games, but that’s not the only stat that emphasises how absurdly good he is.
The 24-year-old has the best goals-per-minute average in Premier League history with a goal every 80 minutes.
To put it in comparison, City legend Sergio Aguero is second with an average of a goal every 108 minutes.
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After his hat-trick against West Ham, Haaland’s Premier League stats are phenomenal
Additionally, Haaland has scored just six fewer goals than Everton have scored since he moved to City in 2022.
Given Haaland is only in his third season at the Etihad Stadium, it may be a little premature to make any declarations about whether he will be the greatest Premier League striker of all time.
But for former Newcastle and Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew, Haaland is undoubtedly in the conversation.
“If you’re going to say to me he is better than Ian Rush, he is better than Kenny Dalglish, Alan Shearer, Gary Lineker, of course you’ve got to look at him and go, ‘Well, he’s definitely in the conversation,’” Pardew told talkSPORT.
“I mean, it’s too early to say whether he’s going to be the best of all time. We’re talking about real top of the tree stuff, but he’s in the conversation.
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Haaland scored his second hat-trick of the season against West HamCredit: Getty
“He’s on course to really break some records.”
Should Haaland maintain his stunning average for minutes per goal, it will take him approximately 169 games to equal Shearer’s record of 260 Premier League goals.
Even if he does not surpass Shearer’s tally, Haaland is well on his way to cementing himself in the conversation of the Premier League’s greatest strikers.
For Bent, that means he’ll have to revise his list once more.
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That day, Postecoglou tested his tactical wit against the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson, who named the likes of Andy Cole, Phil Neville and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in his team for the match and even brought on David Beckham off the bench.
United went on to win 2-0 that day via a Quinton Fortune double.
Over two decades later, Postecoglou was on the right side of the same scoreline as his Tottenham Hotspur side beat United in his home debut.
Not only was it Postecoglou’s first win as Tottenham boss, it was the first win by an Australian manager in the Premier League.
A goal from midfielder Pape Matar Sarr and an own-goal from Red Devils defender Lisandro Martinez did the business as the adoring Tottenham faithful sung Postecoglou’s name long into the afternoon and night.
Sarr’s impressive display was emblematic of the freedom Postecoglou has given to his revamped midfield, but most important was how willing the Frenchman was to do the dirty work.
“Preferred to the legs of Oliver Skipp, Sarr offers something slightly different in his bombastic tackling skills,” The Athletic’s Tim Spiers wrote.
Postecoglou enjoyed a win in his home debut. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“He’s aggressive, physical and likes to get in the box.”
Spiers added: “The fans were on their feet again when Sarr departed near the end and rightly so – he and the dynamic new-look Spurs midfield look the real deal.”
Alongside Sarr in the midfield was Yves Bissouma, who provided a timely reminder as to why Tottenham moved for him last season.
“Bissouma struggled in his first season at Spurs following a move from Brighton but here was the game’s outstanding performer, helping Pape Matar Sarr outflank United completely in midfield, where Casemiro looked like a player with many miles on the clock and Mason Mount was, to put it kindly, anonymous,” BBC chief football writer Phil McNulty said.
For all of Tottenham’s attacking verve under Postecoglou in their home opener, they are still raw when it comes to carrying out the Aussie boss’ tactics.
“Several times, they either overplayed or ran into trouble during a first half United dominated,” Spiers said.
“It was high risk but with little reward other than a couple of opportunities on the counter and Porro hitting the post.
Mac Allister shown RED on Anfield debut | 00:37
“And with United plugging the midfield gap they had left exposed against Wolverhampton Wanderers, it was an opening 45 minutes that showed this team will be a work in progress for some time yet.”
But even if Tottenham are a more vulnerable team at the back as a result of Postecoglou’s gung-ho style, it is a welcome change for the fans from the dark days of Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho’s brand of football.
The raucous atmosphere, even in the wake of Harry Kane’s departure, was evidence the fans are backing Postecoglou all the way as he sets about his Tottenham revolution.
“Under Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte, Spurs had shrivelled into a ball of pragmatism in the futile search for silverware,” Rudd said.
“Under Ange Postecoglou they are expressive, bold, fun and carefree. Erik ten Hag simply ran out of ways to handle it, the way a kindergarten teacher might despair of a class having a water fight.
“Tottenham may need to issue health warnings if this marks just the beginning of what the Australian has planned for the Premier League.”
Erling Haaland set a new Premier League record of 35 goals in a season as the Manchester City striker took his tally in all competitions this campaign to 51 by scoring against West Ham on Wednesday.
City cruised to a 3-0 victory over the Hammers to leapfrog Arsenal and return to the top of the Premier League table with a one point advantage and a game in hand.
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Haaland was joined by defender Nathan Ake and Phil Foden on the scoresheet and rarely looked troubled by a toothless West Ham side.
The 22-year-old moves beyond the 34 goals scored by Alan Shearer for Blackburn in 1994/95 and Andy Cole when at Newcastle a season earlier.
However, Haaland is still some way short of the all-time record for goals in an English top-flight season of 60 set by Everton legend Dixie Dean in 1927/28.
In his first season in English football, Haaland has rewritten the record books as City close in on a potential treble of Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.
He is the first player in the English top flight to score a half century of goals in all competitions since 1931.
In the other fixture, a penalty from Mohamed Salah was all that was needed as Liverpool edged out Fulham 1-0 at Anfield.
The win made it five Premier League wins in a row for Jurgen Klopp’s side as they continue their late season push for a European place.
Erling Haaland set a new Premier League record of 35 goals in a season as the Manchester City striker took his tally in all competitions this campaign to 51 by scoring against West Ham.
Haaland was kept quiet for much of the first half, hardly ever receiving the ball in front of him. In the second half, a tactical tweak allowed City to play behind the lines with more frequency, and the landmark goal came when Jack Grealish fed a well-weighted pass to Haaland, who dinked his first-time shot over West Ham keeper.
The 22-year-old moves beyond the 34 goals scored by Alan Shearer for Blackburn in 1994/95 (42 games) and Andy Cole when at Newcastle a season earlier (40 games) – though both played in a 42 game season, four more than the current campaign.
Haaland broke the record in his 31st game, and has five games to play this season to add to his tally.
The previous record for a 38-game season was Mohamed Salah’s 32 goals in 36 games with Liverpool in 2017-18.
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However, Haaland is still some way short of the all-time record for goals in an English top-flight season of 60 in 39 games set by Everton legend Dixie Dean in 1927/28.
Haaland said of the pursuit of that record: “I don’t think of this now. I’m going to sleep on this game and wake up tomorrow … but we cannot keep thinking about these records, I would become crazy in my head, so I don’t think of this.
“I will go home and play some video games and eat something and then sleep … then we think about Leeds. That is my life.”
The next target on his demolition sweep of the history books will likely be Ron Davies’ 37 for Southampton in 1966-67.
In his first season in English football, Haaland has rewritten the record books as City close in on a potential treble of Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.
He is the first player in the English top flight to score a half century of goals in all competitions since 1931.
Haaland told Sky. “It is a special night and special moment … I am really happy and proud … what more is there to say?
“My first thought was to run towards the goal … Jack [Grealish] said before the game he wanted to give me the assist for the breaking goal.”
Haaland received a guard of honour from his teammates as he exited the ground, with legendary commentator Peter Drury saying: “A remarkable accomplishment from a remarkable athlete.”
Haaland said the celebration “was a nice feeling … it was really painful! Everyone really hit me. [But] it was a nice thing and I am really happy.”
City coach Pep Guardiola said: “It is unbelievable how many goals Erling has scored. So many important goals to help us win games. He is a unique person, as a player but also the person is special. He deserved the guard of honour because it is an incredible milestone.”
Manchester City look unstoppable as they hunt a fifth Premier League title in six years while Liverpool are refusing to give up the chase for a top-four berth.
Bottom-club Southampton appear doomed but the teams above them are braced for a nerve-racking survival fight in the final weeks of the season.
Here’s the big talking points from the Premier League this weekend:
Haaland scores 50th as City go top | 01:41
Man City survive title test
Manchester City survived a tricky test of their title defence with a vital 2-1 win against Fulham to return to the top of the table for the first time in two months.
After crushing Arsenal 4-1 in midweek, Pep Guardiola’s men knew a win at Craven Cottage on Sunday would take them above the Gunners into first place.
Erling Haaland converted an early penalty to become the first top-flight player to score 50 goals in all competitions in a single English season since 1931.
Haaland’s 34th Premier League goal of the season equals the competition record held by Andy Cole and Alan Shearer — set in the days of 42-game campaigns.
But that was not the trigger for a swaggering City display, with Carlos Vinicius punishing poor defending to equalise.
It was reminiscent of City’s 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest, immediately after they beat Arsenal to go top of the table in February.
But there was to be no repeat of that stumble as Julian Alvarez’s superb long-range strike sealed City’s eighth successive league victory.
City are a point ahead of Arsenal with a game in hand and it would be a huge shock if they did not win the title now.
Newcastle beat Southampton 3-1 on Sunday to stay third in the Premier League while Manchester United edged past in-form Aston Villa 1-0.
The two teams are strong favourites to seal Champions League places for next season behind Manchester City and Arsenal.
But neither Newcastle boss Eddie Howe nor United manager Erik ten Hag will be comfortable about seeing Liverpool in their rear-view mirror.
Jurgen Klopp’s men beat Spurs 4-3 in a thriller at Anfield, with Diogo Jota scoring a last-gasp winner.
They have won their past four league games to climb to fifth in the table — seven points behind United, having played a game more.
Liverpool’s run-in does not look unduly taxing while Newcastle and United have some tricky
games still to play.
United manager Erik ten Hag remains confident ahead of a clash with Brighton. “We look from game to game and next we have Brighton so we need to work hard again,” Ten Hag told the BBC.
“We need to show passion again and not worry about the table. We are totally in control (in the race for the top four). It’s all about us and it’s in our hands.”
For Liverpool, defender Trent Alexander-Arnold embodies the club’s rebound in fortunes.
The Reds fullback became the first-ever Premier League player to twice go on a run of assisting a goal in five consecutive games, as he notched his 53rd league assist against Spurs.
The England right-back has been criticised brutally this season, but a tactical shift has driven the team’s recent run of form.
Alexander-Arnold has drifted into the midfield to overload defences and provide the Reds more attacking impetus, something which leaves them incredibly vulnerable on the counter.
The tactic requires the centre-backs (Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate in this case) as well as the centre-defensive midfielder (Fabinho today) to position themselves better to cover for the gap left by the right back.
They struggled deeply to do so against Spurs, and on another day they could easily have been punished more.
Liverpool’s high-risk approach gets the best out of their much-maligned right back, and helped the Reds win four in a row. But if they can’t fix the defensive frailties it exposes, they could soon slip away.
Brighton’s remarkable development
Brighton enjoyed the biggest win of their season with a 6-0 crushing of Wolves. Four goals in the first half for the first time since 2016, and two more to round things out in the second term. It was the most goals they’ve ever scored in a top flight match and their biggest win in league competition since 2000.
The Seagulls sit eighth, but have two games in hand on fifth-placed Liverpool to make up a four-point deficit. They have one game in hand on Man United, 11 points up the road – but those two teams face off next. Maybe the Champions League places are out of reach, but European qualification looks a very live possibility.
The win was the perfect response to a difficult week, beaten on penalties by Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-finals before a midweek defeat to Nottingham Forest.
“We suffered a lot in the last two games. This answer today was fantastic. I have no doubt about the level of the people inside the dressing room,” coach Roberto De Zerbi said. “The most important is not to lose our DNA and style. We deserve to achieve our target, Europe, but we shall see.”
EPL Wrap: Brighton grab biggest ever win | 01:31
Crucially, de Zerbi rested star trio Alexis Mac Allister, Kaoru Mitoma, and Moises Caicedo – and their replacements were absolutely outstanding. Pascal Gross scored a brace, while Billy Gilmour was labelled the player of the match by De Zerbi.
De Zerbi only took charge on September 18 after Graham Potter departed to Chelsea. Since then, he has guided the Seagulls to wins over Chelsea – twice – and over the likes of Liverpool.
Under Potter last season, Brighton played a wonderfully attractive brand of football – but often failed to find the goals to show for it. Under de Zerbi, they have become far more clinical in the final third, scoring 61 goals in 31 games – that’s as many goals as third-placed Newcastle, in two fewer games! It’s also blown away the number of goals they scored in the entirety of last season — 42 in 38 games. Only Arsenal have had more different goal scorers in the league this season, which indicates that de Zerbi’s fringe players continue to make their mark – and crucially, allowing him to rotate the squad in the testing final few weeks of the season. It could make all the difference in their race for Europe.
Luongo goals as Ipswich get promoted | 00:50
Relegation race hots up
There appears to be no escape for Southampton — six points from safety with just four games remaining — but the four teams above them are locked in a tense fight for survival.
Either Leicester or Everton, who meet on Tuesday morning AEST, will climb out of the bottom three, with Nottingham Forest dropping into the relegation zone.
Leeds are perilously placed, just one point above 18th-placed Leicester after their 4-1 defeat by Bournemouth — a fourth loss in their past five matches. And they have a tough run home, with Man City this weekend before Newcastle, West Ham, and Tottenham.
Bournemouth, 10 points clear of Leicester, appear safe and Wolves look likely to survive despite their 6-0 humbling by Brighton on Saturday.
But West Ham are not yet assured of top-flight survival after a 4-3 defeat by Crystal Palace left them five points clear of the drop zone, with a trip to Manchester City looming on Wednesday.
Erling Haaland scored his 50th goal of the season as Manchester City beat Fulham to return to the Premier League summit, with Newcastle and Manchester United winning to close in on a top-four finish.
Liverpool maintained their unlikely pursuit of a Champions League place by beating Tottenham 4-3 in a thriller but Southampton and Leeds are staring into the abyss.
City’s 2-1 win at Craven Cottage left Pep Guardiola’s men a point clear of long-time leaders Arsenal, with a game in hand.
The defending champions, chasing their fifth Premier League title in six seasons, were ahead in the third minute when Haaland scored from the penalty spot after Julian Alvarez was fouled.
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Haaland scores 50th as City go top | 01:41
Haaland’s 34th Premier League goal of the season equals the competition record held by Andy Cole and Alan Shearer — set in the days of 42-game campaigns.
The Norwegian is the first player to reach a half-century of goals across all competitions in a single English top-flight season since 1931.
“Before Winston Churchill was Prime Minister? Wow. Sounds a long time ago. Congratulations to Erling,” said City boss Guardiola.
Fulham equalised in the 15th minute through Carlos Vinicius but Alvarez restored City’s lead nine minutes before half-time.
Treble-chasing City, on top for the first time in 10 weeks, have won their past eight league games and are unbeaten in their past 18 matches in all competitions.
They are red-hot favourites to retain their title, taking full advantage of Arsenal’s stumbles — the Gunners are winless in their past four matches.
Arsenal host struggling Chelsea on Wednesday [AEST], with City at home to West Ham the following day.
“It’s important but Arsenal will play,” said Guardiola.
“Important is the West Ham game, it’s a game in hand. After that we’ll be top of the table and it will be more real.”
TOTTENHAM AN ‘ABSOLUTE SHAMBLES’ AS LIVERPOOL STEAL IT LATE
In the later kick-off, Liverpool hit managerless Tottenham with a three-goal blitz in the first 15 minutes but the visitors stormed back and Richarlison scored an improbable equaliser in the 93rd minute.
Just when it seemed that Spurs had grabbed a dramatic point Diogo Jota won the game, leaving the Reds in fifth spot, seven points behind fourth-placed Manchester United having played a game more.
“We got away with it thank to Diogo Jota — it makes it spectacular and everybody goes home buzzing,” Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp told Sky.
Gary Neville, meanwhile, launched into Tottentham in Sky’s post-game coverage, declaring chairman Daniel Levy is under “massive pressure” to turn things around.
“At 3-3 it doesn’t excuse that first half hour,” Neville said.
“You can say well done for coming back but you can also say you’re a shambolic mess and that shouldn’t happen. It’s happened three times in a week – five down to Newcastle, two down to Man Utd and three down against Liverpool. You’re not learning. It can happen once but not three times in a week.
“ … They are all over the place. Spurs are an absolute shambles at the back.”
Diogo Jota of Liverpool scored the game-winning goal. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
NEWCASTLE SCORE CRUCIAL WIN AS MAN UTD FANS MARCH
Elsewhere, Callum Wilson came off the bench to score twice as third-placed Newcastle fought back to beat Southampton 3-1 and edge their opponents towards relegation.
The England forward was left out of Eddie Howe’s starting line-up despite scoring twice at Everton in midweek but produced the perfect response.
He cancelled out Stuart Armstrong’s first-half opener and then helped himself to a second after Theo Walcott’s own goal had given the Magpies the lead.
The win keeps Newcastle two points ahead of Manchester United but Southampton are anchored at the foot of the table, six points from safety with just four games to play.
Man U & Magpies consolidate top 4 spots | 01:35
Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United edged in-form Aston Villa 1-0, courtesy of a first-half goal from Bruno Fernandes.
“We look from game to game and next we have Brighton so we need to work hard again,” Ten Hag told the BBC.
“We need to show passion again and not worry about the table. We are totally in control (in the race for the top four). It’s all about us and it’s in our hands.”
The match came just two days after Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani and Jim Ratcliffe submitted their third, and what are expected to be final, offers to buy United from unpopular American owners the Glazers.
Other parties are interested in minority investment, and it was reported that Joel and Avram Glazer could remain stakeholders under one deal being proposed by British billionaire Ratcliffe.
Manchester United fans hold a banner which reads ‘Full Sale Glazers Out’. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
A group of United fans marched to Old Trafford in protest against the Glazers, with a giant banner reading “Full Sale Only”.
Colombia midfielder Jefferson Lerma scored twice in four first-half minutes as Bournemouth moved 10 points clear of the relegation zone with a 4-1 home win over Leeds, who remain in deep trouble.
Man Utd legend Andy Cole has admitted that he would have been “pulling his hair out” if he was playing in the same team as Antony.
Antony was one of United’s primary targets during last summer’s transfer window. The Brazil international has a great relationship with Erik ten Hag as they worked well together at Ajax.
Man Utd managed to get a deal over the line towards the end of the window as they paid around £86m to sign the attacker.
Antony has been unable to live up to expectations this season as he has grabbed just three goals in 16 Premier League appearances.
Cole has now explained why he would be “pulling his hair out” if he played alongside Antony.
“If I was a striker in this Manchester United team and saw Antony was playing on the right wing, I’d be pulling my hair out because I know that I will never get a cross my way on his weak right foot,” Cole told King Casino Bonus.
“If I was making a run into the box, I would not expect anything because he always chops back on to his left foot. The game has changed now and what managers want from wingers is different.
“Antony has had a tough first season in the Premier League. He’s finding his feet but I don’t think he expected the Premier League to be as hard as it is.
“Now defenders who play against him know there is no element of surprise because he always wants to come back on his left foot.”
“Sometimes his trickery provides nothing for the team and if he can eradicate these negative elements of his game then it will greatly improve his impact on the team,” Berbatov told Betfred.
“However, if you mock your opponent then they’re going to kick the sh*t out of you and you’re not going to have the respect of the players you’re playing against.
“If he can remove these traits, then he can improve a lot more because he’s a great talent with great qualities and he scores great goals as well. His problem is that he can p*ss people off and he needs to correct this.”
