Liverpool climbed to second in the Premier League after goals from Fabinho, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Takumi Minamino earned them a 3-0 win over Brentford at Anfield on Sunday.
The win moved Juergen Klopp’s side above Chelsea in the table and 11 points behind leaders Manchester City with a game in hand. City beat Chelsea 1-0 on Saturday.
Liverpool, without Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane who are playing at the African Cup of Nations, had struggled to open up a determined Brentford defence but broke through a minute before the interval when a corner from Trent Alexander-Arnold bounced to the back post and was nodded home by Fabinho.
West Ham United squandered a chance to cement fourth spot as they lost 3-2 at home to Leeds United with Jack Harrison scoring a hat-trick for the visitors.
After three successive wins West Ham had the chance to open up a five-point gap between themselves and fifth-placed Arsenal whose game at Tottenham Hotspur was postponed.
But Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds, missing seven players through injury or suspension, had other ideas. Everton sacked manager Rafa Benitez following their 2-1 defeat at Norwich City which left the Merseyside club six points above the relegation zone.
“Benitez, who joined Everton in June 2021, has left the Club with immediate effect,” Everton said in a statement. “An update on a permanent replacement will be made in due course.”
Coutinho shines
Aston Villa debutant Philippe Coutinho came off the bench to inspire a thrilling comeback in a gripping 2-2 draw at home to Manchester United on Saturday.
United appeared to be on course for their second win of the week against Steven Gerrard’s side as Bruno Fernandes struck in each half — the first goal courtesy of a dreadful error by Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Villa were much improved in the second half but Coutinho was being readied for his arrival off the bench when Fernandes powered home an unstoppable effort in the 67th minute.
Coutinho was immediately involved though and 10 minutes later he played a big part as Villa got themselves back into the match with a well-worked goal struck home by Jacob Ramsey.
Martial’s denial
Anthony Martial has denied refusing to be in United’s squad after interim manager Ralf Rangnick said the Frenchman did not want to be involved. United are struggling for players due to injuries, Covid-19 and the Africa Cup of Nations but Martial played no part in the 2-2 draw with Villa. “He didn’t want to be in the squad,” the coach told a news conference. However, Martial refuted Rangnick’s comments.
“I will never refuse to play a match for Man United,” Martial said on Instagram.