Premier League Recap: Manchester United Stun Liverpool, Aston Villa Edge Tottenham

Liverpool 1-2 Manchester United

Manchester United ended a 10-match winless run at Anfield with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Liverpool, their first away triumph in this fixture since January 2016. The result moves Ruben Amorim’s side within two points of the Premier League champions and secures back-to-back league wins for the first time under his tenure.

The visitors made a lightning start, taking the lead after just 62 seconds. Bruno Fernandes found Amad Diallo, who slid the ball through for Bryan Mbeumo to calmly slot past Giorgi Mamardashvili – the second-earliest goal in Premier League history between these sides. Liverpool were furious the game wasn’t stopped after Virgil van Dijk collided with Alexis Mac Allister, leaving the midfielder down injured.

Cody Gakpo struck the post as Liverpool pushed for a response, while Fernandes hit the upright at the other end. United remained dangerous on the break, with Mbeumo and Mason Mount both denied by Mamardashvili. Gakpo again hit the woodwork before Alexander Isak forced a fine save from Senne Lammens, keeping United ahead at the interval.

After the restart, Gakpo rattled the post for a third time before Liverpool finally found an equaliser. Mohamed Salah’s missed chance preceded Federico Chiesa’s cross being turned in by Gakpo to send Anfield into raptures. But just as the Reds pressed for a winner, United struck decisively. Fernandes’ superb cross was met by Harry Maguire, whose powerful header sealed the win in the 84th minute.

Liverpool threw men forward late on, but Amorim’s side held firm to claim a landmark victory, condemning the hosts to a fourth straight defeat in all competitions and a third successive league loss.

Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Aston Villa

Aston Villa claimed their fifth consecutive win in all competitions with a hard-fought 2-1 comeback victory over Tottenham Hotspur, moving into the top half of the Premier League table.

Spurs overcame the pre-match blow of Cristian Romero’s injury by taking an early lead inside five minutes. Mohammed Kudus delivered a deep cross, João Palhinha knocked it down, and Rodrigo Bentancur’s effort deflected off Amadou Onana to beat Emiliano Martínez. Kudus thought he’d doubled the advantage shortly after but was flagged offside.

Villa offered little threat early on, with Matty Cash dragging wide before Morgan Rogers produced a stunning strike to equalise just before half-time. Tottenham nearly retook the lead through Mathys Tel, but his effort flew narrowly wide.

After the break, Spurs pressed for a second, with Martínez saving well from Palhinha and Ezri Konsa blocking a Kudus cross. However, Unai Emery’s substitutions proved decisive. In the 78th minute, Lucas Digne’s lay-off found Emi Buendía, who expertly guided the ball into the bottom corner.

Tottenham pushed hard in the closing stages but couldn’t find a way through a resolute Villa defence. The result drops Thomas Frank’s side to sixth, while Villa celebrated their first away league victory of the season and extended their winning streak to five matches.