LIVERPOOL, England (AP) — Luis Diaz scored two stunning goals in the space of two minutes and Liverpool beat Bournemouth 3-0 to reclaim the top spot in the Premier League on Saturday.
Arne Slot’s side lead Manchester City on goal difference but the defending champions need only draw at home to Arsenal on Sunday to reclaim top spot.
On a rare goalless day for Mohamed Salah, Diaz scored with both feet to demonstrate his abilities at Anfield.
The Colombian forward chased down a long pass from defender Ibrahima Konaté and controlled the ball exquisitely at his waist before beating goalkeeper Kepa to fire home in the 28th minute.
That goal was with his right foot, the second was scored with his left foot in the 30th minute.
Uruguayan Darwin Núñez scored another fine goal in the 37th minute after receiving the ball on the right flank. He initially thought about passing the ball, but changed his mind and shot with a curve against the post.
FAILED OPPORTUNITY
A win would have taken Newcastle to the top of the league, but a 3-1 defeat to Fulham saw them drop to sixth.
Fulham took an early lead through Raul Jimenez and a mistake by goalkeeper Nick Pope gifted Emile Smith Rowe a second in the 22nd minute. Harvey Barnes pulled one back for Newcastle shortly after half-time but Reiss Nelson sealed the result in added time.
DOUBLE DELIGHT
Nicolas Jackson marked his 50th appearance for Chelsea with a brace as he inspired the side to a 3-0 win over West Ham in the Premier League on Saturday.
Jackson also assisted Cole Palmer early in the second half as Chelsea blanked West Ham, who were booed at the end of the match by the fans who remained in the stadium.
This was Chelsea’s third win this season – all away from home.
New West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui is already under pressure after three defeats in the new Premier League season.
With these goals, the Senegalese striker reached 21 goals in 50 appearances for Chelsea.
UNITED FAILS TO WIN
Manchester United remain in mid-table after wasting several chances and drawing 0-0 with Crystal Palace.
Two attempts from Argentine winger Alejandro Garnacho were saved and shots from defenders Matthijs de Ligt and Argentine Lisandro Martinez were both kept out by goalkeeper Dean Henderson.
Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes then hit the crossbar.
United remain 11th with this result and Crystal Palace are 16th.
INSPIRES THE COMEBACK
England striker Ollie Watkins rescued Aston Villa from behind to beat bottom side Wolverhampton 3-1. Villa moved up to third.
A terrible pass from Brazilian Diego Carlos gifted a goal to Matheus Cunha.
Villa struggled to create against a team that has been unable to win until Watkins tied the game in the 73rd minute.
Ezri Konsa then crossed to Youri Tielemans in the 88th minute for the second goal and Colombian Jhon Durán sealed the result in added time.
Villa are level on points with City and Liverpool, but trail on points difference.
Tottenham also came from behind to beat Brentford 3-1, while Southampton remain winless after visitors Ipswich scored in added time to draw 1-1.
Everton were also unable to defend their lead and ended up drawing 1-1 with Leicester.
