In another high-stakes Premier League clash on Sunday, Liverpool secured a 2-0 victory over Manchester City at Anfield to solidly their position at the top of the table.
Cody Gakpo opened the scoring in the 13th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error following Mohamed Salah’s pressure.
Salah doubled the lead in the second half from the penalty spot after City’s second-choice goalkeeper fouled Luis Diaz. The win extended Liverpool's lead over City to 11 points, further asserting their title credentials.
Meanwhile, Chelsea climbed to third in the league standings with a commanding 3-0 victory over Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge, continuing their impressive form under head coach Enzo Maresca.
The win, which saw Nicolas Jackson, Enzo Fernandez, and Cole Palmer find the back of the net, underlined Chelsea’s resurgence as they now sit level on points with Arsenal, both chasing league leaders Liverpool.
The match began in explosive fashion, with Chelsea taking the lead in the fifth minute. Marc Cucurella's relentless pressing in midfield led to a turnover, allowing him to surge forward and deliver a precise cross.
Nicolas Jackson capitalized on the opportunity with a clinical near-post finish, putting the home side in control. Aston Villa, struggling with form and a congested fixture schedule, failed to find a response as their defensive frailties were exposed early.
Chelsea doubled their lead in the 36th minute through their captain, Enzo Fernandez. The Argentine maestro displayed his technical prowess by connecting sweetly with a bouncing ball on the edge of the box, striking a half-volley past Emiliano Martinez. The goal marked Fernandez's second in as many games and provided a commanding cushion for the hosts heading into halftime.
Aston Villa, under Unai Emery, attempted to mount a comeback in the second half but found themselves repeatedly thwarted by Chelsea’s organized defense and goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. Villa’s best chance came in the 15th minute when Ollie Watkins broke through one-on-one with Sanchez, but the Chelsea keeper made a brilliant save to maintain the clean sheet.
The match was put beyond doubt in the 83rd minute when Cole Palmer produced a moment of magic. The young attacker curled a sublime effort into the top corner, leaving Martinez rooted to the spot. The goal was the perfect capstone to a dominant Chelsea performance, showcasing their attacking flair and tactical discipline under Maresca.
For Aston Villa, the defeat extended their winless streak across all competitions to eight games, a worrying trend for a side that had entered the season with high hopes after securing Champions League qualification. Their congested schedule and mounting injuries have taken a toll, leaving them languishing in the bottom half of the table.
NPFL
Meanwhile, in the Nigeria Premier Football League has seen two teams, Rivers United and Remo Stars of Ikenne exchanging Positions on the top of the log at intervals, to Port Harcourt side had the edge at the weekend.
After Match day 15 Rivers United regained top spot displacing Ogun based side, Remo Stars to second position.
Newly Promoted and rejuvenated Ikorodu City a team that has been on the ascendancy in recent weeks jumped to 3rd on the log after inflicting a 4- 1 defeat on visiting struggling Akwa United.
Rivers United are back on top of the NPFL standings after they beat visiting Kano Pillars and closest rivals Remo Stars fell at Niger Tornadoes.
Rivers United pipped Kano Pillars courtesy of a first-half strike by Aniekeme Okon to return of the table with 29 points from 15 matches.
Remo Stars slipped to second in the standings after they lost 2-1 at Niger Tornadoes.
They have 26 points, three points behind leaders Rivers United.
Ikorodu City and Heartland FC continued their steady climb to top reckoning after they both won at home.
Both Rivers United and Remo have defiled odds in the current season after becoming the teams with best away records so far.
It would be recalled that Rivers United maintained an unbeaten record until their first loss against Ikorodu City on Match day 10.
The Oga Boys ended Port Harcourt boys' unbeaten run, recording 2-0 home victory at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan.
Goals from Ayomide Cole and substitute Ayemwenre Rivio sealed the win for the Lagos based side.
Many football fans and even pundits have attributed the good signs to the new management of the League Management Company ( LMC)the handlers of the NPFL.
After Match day 15 Rivers United, Remi Stars and Ikorodu City occupy the first, second and third positions respectively.
*Matchday 15 Result*
Heartland 3-2 Nasarawa Utd
Rivers Utd 1-0 Kano Pillars
Katsina Utd 1-0 Sunshine Stars
Tornadoes 2-0 Remo Stars
Ikorodu City 4-1 Akwa Utd
El-Kanemi 0-0 Bayelsa Utd.
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