Premier League wrap: Liverpool and Arsenal grind out wins as Villa down Chelsea

Premier League wrap: Liverpool and Arsenal grind out wins as Villa down Chelsea

Odegaard strikes as Arsenal survive Brighton scare

Martin Odegaard scored his first Premier League goal of the season as Arsenal edged past Brighton 2-1 to move back to the top of the table.

The Gunners dominated the first half, registering 15 shots and five on target while limiting Brighton to none. Their breakthrough came when Bukayo Saka capitalised on a loose Bart Verbruggen goal-kick, teeing up Odegaard to strike from the edge of the area, before the hosts doubled their lead early in the second half through a Georginio Rutter own goal from Declan Rice's corner.

The contest tightened when Brighton struck back with their first effort on target, Diego Gomez finishing after Yasin Ayari's shot hit the post. Substitute Yankuba Minteh added late pressure, forcing a superb save from David Raya, but Arsenal held on to secure the points.

Wirtz scores as Liverpool beat Wolves in emotional Anfield clash

Florian Wirtz scored his first goal for a resurgent Liverpool as they edged past Wolves 2-1 on an emotional afternoon at Anfield marked by tributes to the late Diogo Jota.

The former Liverpool and Wolves forward was remembered by both sets of supporters, with his sons acting as mascots and fans singing his song in the 20th minute. Liverpool retired Jota's No 20 shirt following his death in a car crash in July.

Arne Slot's side struck twice in quick succession late in the first half, Ryan Gravenberch opening the scoring before Wirtz doubled the lead a minute later.

Santiago Bueno pulled one back early in the second half to give the visitors hope, and Wolves pushed for an equaliser after a triple substitution. However, Liverpool held firm to claim a third straight Premier League victory and extend their unbeaten run in all competitions to seven matches.

Watkins fires Villa comeback to sink Chelsea

Ollie Watkins inspired a dramatic Aston Villa comeback as they came from 1-0 down to beat Chelsea 2-1 and underline their Premier League title credentials, extending their winning run to 11 matches in all competitions.

Chelsea had taken a deserved lead in the 37th minute when Joao Pedro applied the final touch during a goalmouth scramble following Reece James' corner. 

Unai Emery's side were second best until just before the hour mark, when the Villa manager made a triple substitution that changed the momentum, introducing Watkins, Amadou Onana and Jadon Sancho.

The impact was immediate, Watkins equalising from the rebound after Robert Sanchez saved his initial effort, before Villa seized full control. After Sanchez produced further saves to keep Chelsea level, Watkins struck again with a powerful header from Youri Tielemans' corner to complete the turnaround and move Villa to within three points of leaders Arsenal.

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