Man United beats Liverpool; Aston Villa in win over Tottenham Hotspurs
The Dutch striker had put Liverpool back on level terms in the 78th minute when he intervened from close range after Bryan Mbeumo had put United ahead within two minutes.
Liverpool’s problems
United’s last win at Anfield came in 2016 when Wayne Rooney scored the only goal of the match. There have been some humiliating defeats since then, notably the 7-0 defeat in 2023 and the 4-0 defeat a year ago.
Amorim not only put an end to that difficult run, but also secured back-to-back wins in the league for the first time since taking over at United last November.
The Portuguese manager is under increasing pressure as speculation over his position increases after a troubled start to his first season in charge. United are ninth in the table but just two points off the top four, and such a morale-boosting performance could finally be a turning point for Amorim.
“It was really important for our fans because they are struggling,” Amorim said.
Liverpool’s Jeremie Frimpong challenges Manchester United’s Patrick Dorgu.Credit: Getty Images
“They saw something different today and it’s really important to come here to the stadium of our biggest rival, the champion, and sing during the match, it’s huge for us, so this win is for them.”
Liverpool’s defeat raised doubts about their shaky title defense and left them fourth and four points behind leaders Arsenal.
It’s not an insurmountable gap, but a run of four consecutive defeats is Liverpool’s worst losing streak since 2014. It also extended Slot’s worst run as Liverpool manager and further highlighted the weaknesses of his side, who have kept just two clean sheets in 12 games in all competitions this season.
Mohamed Salah’s only offensive goal in the last seven league games was a penalty against Burnley. British record signing Alexander Isak has scored just one goal in seven games since his transfer from Newcastle.
“We have to stick together. Not just as players, but as fans and everyone,” Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk said. “First of all, we have to stay humble and keep working. We have to keep our self-confidence high and stay very calm.”
United’s controversial opening
Liverpool players felt aggrieved that United allowed the match to continue despite Alexis Mac Allister suffering a head injury in an argument with teammate Van Dijk.
Referee Michael Oliver did not blow his whistle and Amad Diallo passed the ball to Mbeumo, who slotted it past Giorgi Mamardashvili at the goalkeeper’s near post.
“The most important thing I have to do right now is not to complain or do that kind of thing,” Slot said. “With Macca on the field we could have done a lot better, we should have done better. But a player’s health is an important thing and if a player needs four stitches you hope everyone understands that he needs urgent treatment.”
“That’s not why we lost this game. It’s because we missed too many chances.”
Gakpo had the best of it, hitting the post three times.
Brilliant Buendia seals Villa comeback
Emi Buendia’s magnificent strike gave Aston Villa a 2-1 victory against Tottenham.
The victory continued Villa’s resurgence after a dismal start to the season and denied Spurs the chance to temporarily move up to second in the table.
Aston Villa’s Amadou Onana challenges Spurs’ Lucas Bergvall.Credit: Getty Images
Buendia curled a perfect shot from the edge of the penalty area and into the bottom corner in the 77th minute at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
It was Villa’s fifth consecutive win in all competitions after failing to win in their first six games of the season.
This ended Spurs’ seven-game unbeaten run, which looked set to continue when Rodrigo Bentancur put the home side ahead after just five minutes.
Morgan Rogers equalized in the 37th before Villa took all three points and sent Tottenham coach Thomas Frank to their second league defeat since taking over in the summer.
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