Liverpool’s fading Premier League title hopes were on Saturday dealt a near-fatal blow as West Ham United rescued a draw against Juergen Klopp’s men, while Sheffield United dropped through the relegation trap door.
On a dramatic day in the top-flight, Aston Villa’s top four challenge was dented by a 2-2 draw against Chelsea, whose furious manager Mauricio Pochettino claimed video-assistant referee has “damaged the Premier League” after his side had a late goal controversially disallowed.
Manchester United’s push for Europe was held up by Burnley in a 1-1 stalemate and Everton secured their top-flight status with a 1-0 win at home to Brentford.
Photo: Reuters
Klopp’s glittering reign at Anfield appears to be ending on a flat note after they dropped points for the fourth time in five league games at the London stadium.
Liverpool would have moved level on points with leaders Arsenal with a victory at West Ham, at least temporarily, but they failed to make the most of their chances.
The Gunners are on 77 points, two clear of Liverpool with a game in hand, while defending champions Manchester City have 76 points with two games in hand on the Reds.
Jarrod Bowen put West Ham ahead shortly before halftime, but Liverpool looked a different side in the second period, equalizing through Andy Robertson before an own goal from West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola.
However, the home side leveled in the 77th minute when Bowen wriggled free down the right and lifted a cross towards Michail Antonio, who headed home to make it 2-2.
Klopp attempted to play down a touchline spat with Mohamed Salah, who was left out of the starting lineup, but the Egypt forward fanned the flames.
“There’s going to be a fire today if I speak,” he told reporters.
Newcastle’s 5-1 win against basement club Sheffield United strengthened their push for European soccer next season, but sent Chris Wilder’s team down to the Championship after just 12 months.
Anel Ahmedhodzic gave the visitors an early lead at St James’ Park, but Alexander Isak scored twice as the home side roared back.
“We have not been good enough,” Wilder told the BBC. “The league has been too powerful for us right the way through the season.”
Newcastle remain in seventh place, but are just one point behind Manchester United, who conceded a late penalty in a 1-1 draw against Burnley.
Brazilian winger Antony scored his first Premier League goal of the season, but Zeki Amdouni leveled from the spot in the 87th minute, giving Burnley hope they can stay up.
Ten Hag said his team, who have a nasty habit of throwing away leads, “gave it away.”
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