Ten Hag loses for second time in four days, Arsenal stays on City’s trail

Erik ten Hag must and will secure a Champions League ticket in his first year at Manchester United. The coach is still on course, but after a defeat at West Ham United, the second in four days, Liverpool are starting to pant down their necks in the battle for the Premier League’s top four places.

A win at West Ham would have seen United take over third place from Newcastle United. Now it remains fourth. Number five Liverpool, which after long slogging is on a run with six wins in a row, is quietly closing in on the ‘Mancunians‘.

It was actually waiting for a United goal in the early stages in London. The industrious Antony shot just wide, as did Bruno Fernandes, Christian Eriksen and Marcus Rashford, who hit the post. However, a big miss by goalkeeper David De Gea, who let a keepable shot through, gave West Ham the lead.

Ten Hag surprised by granting Wout Weghorst his first starting place in the league in a month. Shortly after halftime, the Dutch striker, who barely stood out, was already brought to the side. Just before the end, Tyrell Malacia was also substituted.

West Ham, next Thursday in London against AZ in the semi-finals of the Conference League, takes further distance from the relegation line through the win.

Number two Arsenal recorded a narrow win at number three Newcastle United. In an attractive game, the Londoners were too strong 2-0. They are one point behind leader Manchester City, which has played one game less than Arsenal.

For a long time this season Arsenal seemed to be heading for its first national title since 2004, but after the 4-1 defeat at Manchester City late last month, not Arsenal, but City has the best papers for the championship of England.

And so for Arsenal, the hope is that City will make mistakes and in the meantime continue to add three-pointers of their own. Newcastle, with Sven Botman as a strongman at the back, is running a neat season and had only lost to Liverpool at St. James’ Park.

For the home side, Jacob Murphy hit the post within two minutes, but that did not upset the Gunners. Thanks to a controlled shot by Martin Ødegaard, they took the lead and through Gabriel Martinelli had a good chance for more.

Newcastle missed two chances for 1-1 through former Premier League player Alexander Isak (post) and Fabian Schär. Arsenal smelled the 2-0 through Martinelli, but his effort hit the crossbar. An own goal by Schär made it 2-0.

Manchester City still plays against Everton (away), Chelsea (home), Brighton (u) and Brentford (u). For Arsenal, duels with Brighton