MANCHESTER, England ( Associated Press) — Julian Alvarez scored a stunning goal to give Manchester City a 2-1 win over Fulham on Sunday and take the Premier League lead.
After starting in the absence of the injured Kevin de Bruyne, the Argentine world champions posed a constant threat in their trip to Craven Cottage.
Alvarez caused a penalty which was quickly converted by Erling Haaland – the Norwegian striker’s 50th goal of the season.
After Fulham equalized after fifteen minutes through Brazilian attacker Carlos Vinicius, City declared the final 2–1 eight minutes before the break.
“Spider” Álvarez was left in complete solitude in front of Croissant, giving himself time to outline a withered right hand.
“It was a very good goal but it came at a crucial moment in the game when we needed it and it was decisive,” said the Argentine.
The win left the defending champions at the top of the standings, one point ahead of Arsenal with one game to play.
Pep Guardiola’s side had just entered the table to claim the title when they thrashed Arsenal 4–1 in mid-week, leading for most of the season.
Álvarez commented, “All the games that are left are finals and even more so after winning a game as important as it was against Arsenal”.
“It was what we were looking for all season. Now that we are (up) we have to defend it.”
Haaland’s goal allowed him to equal the record shared by Alan Shearer and Andy Cole of 34 goals in a Premier League campaign. Those two players reached their totals in a 42-game season, while Haaland has already done so in a 38-game campaign that is still ongoing.
Haaland had already broken Mohamed Salah’s record of 32 goals in a 38-game season in a 4-1 win against Arsenal on Wednesday.
The Norwegian took the penalty after Alvarez was brought down in the box by Fulham defender Tim Ream.
“Congratulations to Erling, but the best goals are the ones that help us achieve our goals this season,” Guardiola said. “With Julian, whenever he plays, he gives us his all.”
“Having two forwards is an incredible weapon,” he said.
Guardiola is confident that Alvarez will be able to open a hole in the starting eleven alongside Haaland and De Bruyne: “It’s helping me a lot to understand that in the future I can adjust something so that both that and Kevin can play.”
Liverpool wins in crazy final
Diogo Jota came off the bench to score in injury time, the goal that gave Liverpool a 4–3 victory over Tottenham.
Down 3–0 after 15 minutes at Anfield, Tottenham leveled at 3–3. The third goal was the work of Richardson – in the third minute of extra time – the first for Brazil in the premiership.
But Jota scored immediately to secure Liverpool’s fourth straight win, which sets them up to console themselves with qualifying for the Europa League.
Returning to the starting eleven after a long inactivity due to injury, Colombian attacker Luis Díaz scored Luis Díaz’s second goal. The others were the works of Curtis Jones and Salah.
for the champions
With a goal from Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United beat Aston Villa 1–0 at Old Trafford and moved closer to sealing their participation in the next Champions League.
The Portuguese midfielder found the net after 39 minutes. United are fourth, seven points ahead of Liverpool with one game left.
leeds watch dogs
To go just before half-time, Leeds lost 4–1 to Bournemouth, just one point above the relegation zone. They have also played a game more than Leicester (18) and Everton (19), who meet on Monday.
Colombian Jefferson Lerma sent down the double bill for Bournemouth. The win left Bournemouth with 39 points, a total that would almost ensure their sustainability.
Newcastle Renovation
When Stuart Armstrong put bottom club Southampton ahead of Newcastle, everything pointed to a shakeup in the battle for the break.
But a strike from Callum Wilson and an own goal from Theo Walcott sealed a 3–1 victory for third-table Newcastle.
