Liverpool, Barcelona, Juventus record remarkable wins as Arsenal’s misery continues
In major European football league matches played on Saturday,
spectators and viewers around the world including in Nigeria were
treated to all sorts of experience – good, bad and ugly.
For example, in the widely followed English Premier League, table
toppers – Liverpool – fought a resilient Crystal Palace team to walk
away 2-1 winners at the end of 90 minutes to keep their title hopes
alive.
Goals from Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino delivered the maximum points
for Jurgen Klopp’ side after Wilfried Zaha had scored an equaliser
late in the second half.
In other parts of England, Leicester City where Nigeria’s Wilfred
Ndidi is an integral member of the team, thrashed Brighton & Hove
Albion 2-0 courtesy of goals from Ayoze Perez and Jamie Vardy.
But it was a different story for Arsenal Football Club of London as
their troubles on the pitch continued on Saturday after they were held
to a draw at home by Southampton.
The result could have been worse for Unai Emery’s side had the
visitors converted all their chances inside the 18-yard box.
It took the artistry of Alexandre Lacazette late in extra-time to
score the equalising goal for Arsenal and grab a point for them.
Following the team’s poor performance in recent times, Emery had come
under intense pressure with many of the fans already losing faith in
him and his ability to deliver long-awaited success after the
departure of Arsene Wenger last season.
In Spain and Italy, Barcelona and Juventus both ground out important
wins away from home against Laganes and Atalanta respectively despite
strong resistance from their opponents.
Goals from Luis Suarez and Arturo Vidal gave Barcelona a 2-1 win over
the host team while a double from Gonzalo Higuain and one from Paulo
Dybala saw Juventus come from behind to emerge victorious.
Most top sides in Europe’s biggest football leagues were all busy on
Saturday as a result of the resumption of the Champions League and
Europa League between Tuesday and Thursday.
