Liverpool know better than most just how fine the margins are when it comes to Premier League success.

In missing out on the Premier League title to Manchester City by one point last season, Jurgen Klopp's men were given a fairly brutal lesson in that regard.

A year on, it's Arsenal hoping to do what the Reds couldn't and beat City to the title, and whichever way their season ends, there is a huge possibility they will look back on Sunday's 2-2 draw at Liverpool as decisive.

You would have been forgiven for predicting an impressively comfortable away win, such were the two teams' respective performances in the first half.

Arsenal resembled the Liverpool of 12 months ago. They were furious in their pressing, electric and incisive on the ball.

Even if you'd seen Arsenal on a regular basis this season, the swagger with which they were playing at such a famously vociferous arena was outstanding, particularly when you also consider their dreadful record at Anfield.

Arsenal had lost each of their previous six away games against the Reds in the Premier League, while they had not won at Anfield since September 2012.

Liverpool, on the other hand, looked lost, confused, almost as if they were suffering from an identity crisis.

Of course, this certainly wasn't an isolated example of such a display, but this was the kind of occasion one expects to bring the best out of Anfield and the Reds.

Diogo Jota looked every inch a player without a goal in over a year as he failed to influence proceedings. Curtis Jones was similarly unconvincing, while Trent Alexander-Arnold was all over the place, struggling in his usual role and then taking up central positions that left gaping holes at the back.

The England right-back was left for dead by Gabriel Martinelli early on and then failed to track Gabriel Jesus at the back post as the striker failed to convert a Bukayo Saka cross.

Of course, by that point Arsenal were already ahead thanks to the lively Martinelli, who made the most of a kind ricochet to dart into the box and prod beyond Alisson in the eighth minute.

It was then 2-0 just before the half-hour mark. Jesus did apply the finish this time, heading in from Martinelli's cross as the Liverpool defence were out of sync once again.

But the contest seemed to flip in the 41st minute, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta's fears of what he described as the Anfield "jungle" becoming reality.

Granit Xhaka was rather innocuously bundled over by Ibrahima Konate, but no free-kick followed, and he reacted with a forceful barge into the back of Alexander-Arnold, appearing to whack him with his forearm.

Alexander-Arnold retaliated with a shove of his own and the two went head-to-head. Referee Paul Tierney issued both a yellow card, but more significantly the incident appeared to get the home crowd engaged finally.

Suddenly there was also fire in the Liverpool ranks, and a minute later Salah nudged home from close range to breathe life into the contest, with Arsenal presumably delighted by the half-time whistle soon after.

That was followed by a downright bizarre incident that could have even helped Liverpool's siege mentality. Assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis appeared to elbow Andy Robertson in the face after being approached aggressively by the left-back, with the Reds left furious.

That fury was channelled well by Liverpool after the break, spending much of the second half in the ascendancy as they sought an equaliser.

Mohamed Salah failed to score it from the spot after a clumsy foul by Rob Holding on Jota, but there was unquestionably a hint of predictability above the leveller three minutes from time as Roberto Firmino headed in from Alexander-Arnold's excellent cross.

An incredible finale was ushered in.

Liverpool piled on the pressure. Aaron Ramsdale denied Darwin Nunez when one-on-one, and then the goalkeeper somehow saved Arsenal as Konate inexplicably failed to chest the ball over the line.

Had it not been for Ramsdale's heroics, Arsenal would have been on the end of a potentially crippling defeat. Not necessarily crippling in terms of a huge deficit, but rather in relation to their mentality and the pressure being applied by City.

Of course, it's easy to look at the result as two points dropped. Considering Arsenal were 2-0 up, many fans – and players – will believe that to be the most apt appraisal of the situation.

But in the end, with an optimist's spin on it, Arsenal should feel happy to get away from Anfield with a point. After all, that's more than they managed in any of their previous six Premier League visits.

To understand the potential value of that point, all they need to do is look at Liverpool.

Aaron Ramsdale insisted Arsenal's 2-2 draw at Liverpool may eventually be considered a "very good point" despite the Gunners relinquishing a two-goal lead at Anfield.

Liverpool fought back through goals from Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino to earn a share of the spoils after Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus fired Arsenal into a 2-0 lead on Sunday.

The result left Arsenal six points clear at the Premier League summit, ahead of second-placed Manchester City who have a game in hand.

Mikel Arteta's side may count themselves fortunate to escape with a point. Ramsdale was required to make two brilliant late stops, repelling a deflected Salah effort before preventing Ibrahima Konate from bundling over a gilt-edged opportunity, as Liverpool threatened a last-minute winner.

The England goalkeeper said once the dust has settled on an enthralling fixture, Arsenal will reflect on the draw as a point earned rather than two dropped.

"Mixed emotions, but over the next few days I think it will be a very good point," Ramsdale told Sky Sports.

"We've been under pressure for 35 minutes and get the point away at Anfield. They're a top side. It might be two points dropped, but we could have dropped three.

"I thought we were excellent. For 50, 60 minutes we were very good, but we got unlocked by two goals.

"Now we have to go back in and build again. One point is a lot better than none.

"The manager will say that [to focus on the good aspects]. He's hugely positive. We'll digest it in the next few days."

Asked about his individual exploits, Ramsdale was delighted to make a difference, adding: "There's no better game to play in than these games. At least my saves have helped us out."

While Ramsdale remained modest about his impressive performance, Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard thanked the goalkeeper for saving Arteta's side.

The Norway international told BBC Sport: "It was a crazy game. We started really well. The first 40 minutes before they scored, we controlled the game.

"After their goal the game changed a bit, and we didn't manage to keep the ball. They created a lot of chances.

"Aaron [Ramsdale] was very good back there and saved us. Frustrated not to win, but we have to take the point and move on.

"Against this team you need to be very good on the ball. If you give away the ball they will run at you and the fans create momentum."

Roberto Firmino's late header stunned Arsenal as Liverpool stormed back from two goals down to salvage a 2-2 Premier League draw at Anfield.

Goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus put the Gunners in command, but Mohamed Salah reduced the deficit late in the first half.

Salah missed a penalty early in the second half, but Firmino came off the bench to rock Arsenal with an equaliser in the 87th minute of a thriller on Merseyside.

Aaron Ramsdale then produced two brilliant saves in injury time as the Gunners held on for a draw that leaves them six points clear of defending champions Manchester City, who have a game in hand.

Liverpool were fuming as defender Andy Robertson appeared to be elbowed by an assistant referee at the end of the first half of Sunday's game against Arsenal.

The left-back approached the official, who was identified by Sky Sports as Constantine Hatzidakis, and seemed to be making a point to him.

It was unclear from a distance what was said, but television pictures then looked to show the assistant referee raise his right elbow and make contact with the Scotland international.

What was not obvious was whether the linesman had intended to catch Robertson.

Asked if he had ever seen anything like it, pundit and former Manchester United hard man Roy Keane said: "No, not really, but Robertson, does he grab the linesman first? I'm not sure, but Robertson then is complaining.

"He should be more worried about his defending."

Keane then pointed the finger at Robertson and described him as "a big baby".

"You know what he is, that Robertson," Keane said. "I've watched him a number of times, he is a big baby. Just get on with the game and concentrate on your defending. He does grab the linesman first."

According to Sky Sports, Robertson said on entering the tunnel at half-time: "The linesman has elbowed me in the throat."

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson reportedly complained to referee Paul Tierney, before the players entered the dressing room.

Bukayo Saka returned to the Arsenal team to face Liverpool at Anfield, while Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah were handed starts for the hosts.

Saka dropped to the bench for a 4-1 hammering of Leeds United last weekend due to illness, but the England winger replaced Leandro Trossard in the Premier League leaders' starting line-up on Sunday.

That was the only change made by manager Mikel Arteta as the Gunners looked to restore their advantage over second-placed Manchester City to eight points.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp recalled centre-back Van Dijk and leading scorer Salah to his team, along with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Andy Robertson and Cody Gakpo.

Van Dijk was absent for a goalless draw with Chelsea in midweek, while Salah, Robertson, Gakpo and Alexander-Arnold started on the bench at Stamford Bridge.

Thiago Alcantara was included among the substitutes for Sunday's game after two months on the sidelines with a hip injury.

Kalidou Koulibaly acknowledges his debut campaign at Chelsea has not gone to plan, but the Senegal international remains committed to spending "many years" with the Blues.

Koulibaly left Napoli for Stamford Bridge in a £33.8million (€40m) deal last July, as part of a huge spending spree sanctioned in Chelsea's first transfer window under the Todd Boehly regime.

However, Chelsea have endured a dire first campaign since their change of owner, sitting 11th in the Premier League table after sacking two bosses in Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter.

Caretaker manager Frank Lampard oversaw a 1-0 defeat to Wolves in his first game at the helm on Saturday, leaving the London side 17 points adrift of the Champions League places.

While Koulibaly admits he has not performed to the best of his abilities since arriving in the Premier League, he is keen to make amends in future campaigns.

"I know I'm not at 100 per cent yet, but I think I'm coming to my level," he told The Times. "Chelsea made a big decision to sign me and there's a big desire in me to give back. 

"I want to be part of this club for many years. This is not the year Chelsea were expecting, but sometimes when you have big changes, new owners, and half the team is new, everybody has to adapt.

"But we know how big the ambition is here and we're going to work to win back the confidence of the supporters."

Koulibaly believes the squad must accept responsibility for the coaching changes that have blighted Chelsea's campaign, adding: "When you change managers, it's like you failed somewhere. 

"You have to keep on fighting, and we'll give everything. Our new manager is a big legend, so we have to be behind him. We know we can do better – and we will."

Chelsea's most recent defeat was their seventh on the road in the Premier League this season. They last lost more away games in a single campaign in 2000-01 (eight).

Harry Maguire has talked up Manchester United's squad strength and declared he is ready to play his part in their end-of-season run-in.

England international Maguire has had to largely make do with being a squad player this season, having started just six of United's 29 Premier League matches.

The 30-year-old was brought into the side in place of Raphael Varane for Saturday's meeting with Everton and helped United to a clean sheet in their 2-0 victory.

United are well positioned in their battle for a top-four finish in the Premier League, while also still being in contention for silverware in the Europa League and FA Cup.

With as many as 16 games still to come this season, United captain Maguire says every player will have a part to play.

"We're never going to be successful as 11 players," he told MUTV. "This is the Premier League and we're playing in all competitions. 

"We want to do as much as we can in every competition, win more trophies and compete at the highest level of the Premier League. To do that you need more than 11 players."

United welcomed back Christian Eriksen from a two-month injury lay-off against Everton, while Anthony Martial stepped up his recovery with a goal from the substitutes' bench.

Not only does that bolster Erik ten Hag's choices in midfield and attack, Maguire believes it also helps get more out of other players due to the increased competition for places.

"To get Christian back, Anthony back, they're huge players for us, huge players for the squad," he said.

"They can make a difference off the bench, can start games and it just brings that little bit more energy into everybody, knowing that competition for places is high.

"We've got a good squad to be able to cope with the demands that we've been put through in the games that we have to play."

Martial scored his fourth league goal of the season in the routine win over Everton after Scott McTominay had given United a first-half lead at Old Trafford.

United dominated the first half in particular but only had one goal to show for it, though Maguire feels that was his side's best opening 45 minutes of the season to date.

"There have been some good halves – like the second half against Barcelona – but the first half [against Everton], I'd probably say that's the strongest, for sure," Maguire said.

"If we'd come in at half-time 4-0 up, I think no one would be complaining. But nothing is ever comfortable in the Premier League. It should have been comfortable, that’s for sure. 

"I think we thoroughly deserved the three points. The only thing probably missing was more goals."

United host Sevilla in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final on Thursday, while Brighton and Hove Albion await in the FA Cup semi-finals on April 23.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp declared himself "100 per cent responsible for this rubbish" but is sure the club can get through their tough season "in a classy manner".

After agonisingly missing out on a quadruple last season, the Reds have had a difficult 2022-23 campaign that has already seen them knocked out of every cup competition, while they sit eighth in the Premier League ahead of Sunday's Anfield clash with leaders Arsenal.

The Reds won the EFL Cup and FA Cup in 2021-22, as well as reaching the Champions League final and finishing just a point behind Premier League winners Manchester City.

With 10 matches left this term, Liverpool's points total of 43 is less than half what they amassed in 2021-22, and Klopp accepts it is unacceptable.

"I'm sorry for our people, that they don't have the season they wished for. But in the long term they will forget that," Klopp told Sky Sports.

"I couldn't care less what we did last year or the years before. I'm 100 per cent responsible for this rubbish and it's really not cool."

The German coach recently admitted his generally impeccable record with the club was probably the reason his job has not come into question, and shared his appreciation for the support he and his team continue to receive from fans.

"I know everybody can express their emotions in an instant and there will be a lot of negative comments about us – I understand that," he said. "But the people in the stadium are incredible.

"You see things happening at other clubs, not only sackings but teams against owners, fans against owners, fans against the team – I've seen it all.

"But if anyone can get through a situation like this in a classy manner, I really think it's us as a club."

Liverpool played every game possible last season (63), and the associated fatigue has been cited as one of the reasons for their dramatic dip in form, while Chelsea (61 matches) and City (56 matches) have also seen their points totals regress.

"What you've seen this year is that a lot of teams that performed last year on an extremely high level are not exactly there," Klopp added. "Even City. Of course they play sensational football, but they don't have the same points tally as last year [64, compared to 69 at the same stage in 2021-22].

"The intensity, at one point, gets you and maybe it caught us this year. But that is no excuse for the next 10 games.

"It may be an explanation for why we are not on our top level. We didn't find a way to bring in consistent performances."

Sitting 13 points behind Newcastle United and Manchester United in third and fourth place respectively, it will take a significant turnaround for Liverpool to qualify for the Champions League, even if they have a game in hand.

Klopp believes a "lack of confidence" has played a part, as well as injuries, but his team's potential has still been visible with a 9-0 win over Bournemouth earlier in the season, and a 7-0 thrashing of rivals United in their last home game.

Their shortcomings were on show again just six days later though, stumbling to a 1-0 loss at Bournemouth.

"World-class players are performing on a strange level," he said. "It started with injuries and players coming back early, and we were never really settled in this season.

"We have to go through that and I have no problem with that. When I look back in 10 or 15 years this season will probably not be involved with highlights, but hopefully there'll be a lot of things we can learn from it and can use next year.

"But we have to fight through this and this is tough. If it was easy they wouldn't pay me that much money for it.

"We've had a super-strange season. We've had the two highest wins in our history but then a week later we cannot do it."

Alan Shearer says "scary" Manchester City striker Erling Haaland can reach 60 goals for the season after closing in on the Newcastle United icon's Premier League record.

Haaland scored a brace in Saturday's win at Southampton to take his tally for the season in all competitions in his maiden campaign with City to 44 goals in 38 games.

That is 13 goals more than the next-highest scorer among players across Europe's top five leagues, with Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe netting 31 in 35 appearances.

Thirty of Haaland's goals have come in the Premier League, leaving him just four short of matching Shearer's record of 34 in a season, which he jointly holds with Andy Cole.

Shearer expects Haaland to surpass that target with time to spare and, with potentially 16 more games to play in all competitions, he believes a bigger milestone is attainable.

"If he can stay fit, Haaland will obliterate the Premier League record I share with Andy Cole of 34 goals in a single season," Shearer said in his column for The Athletic.

"At his current rate of averages in all competitions, with 44 in 38 appearances, he will storm past 50. Even that may be a disservice to him. 

"Who knows, we could even be talking 60 and Dixie Dean territory. Scary."

Haaland reached 30 Premier League goals in 27 games, doing so in five matches fewer than any other player in the competition's history.

Only eight players in the English top flight – most recently Jimmy Greaves in 1961 – have scored more than 40 goals in a single league season.

"I wonder how many people thought it was hyperbole when I wrote nearly a year ago that Erling Haaland would score 40 goals in this Manchester City team?" Shearer said. 

"City were buying goals – as close as you can get to an absolute, cast-iron guarantee – by adding an exceptional centre-forward to a phenomenally creative side.

"If anything, I was being stingy. Exceptional? He's almost perfect and that haul of 40 is already in his rearview mirror."

Haaland's next opportunity to add to his growing haul will come on Tuesday when City host Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie.

The former Borussia Dortmund man has 33 goals in 25 games in the competition, which is also a record for the quickest time to surpass the 30-goal mark in the Champions League.

Liverpool's underwhelming 2022-23 campaign has led to talk that the club will undertake a squad overhaul in the off-season.

Chief among Jurgen Klopp's priorities is a midfield revamp, with Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham and Chelsea's Mason Mount among those linked to the Reds.

However, there could also be another attempt at signing a France international they were beaten to in 2022 by Real Madrid.

TOP STORY – YOU CAN NEVER HAVE TCHOUAMENI MIDFIELDERS

Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni is once again high on Liverpool's transfer agenda as they look to refresh their midfield, reports El Nacional.

The Reds were interested in the 23-year-old at the end of last season but were unable to land him after he chose to move from Monaco to Madrid for a reported €100 million on a six-year deal.

Though he started Saturday's 3-2 home defeat to Villarreal, Tchouameni has been unable to establish himself as a frequent starter under Carlo Ancelotti, meaning Los Blancos may be willing to let him go to raise funds, with Liverpool reportedly still keen and willing to offer £71m (€80m).

ROUND-UP

– Calciomercatoweb claims Inter are warming to the idea of Nicolo Barella exiting San Siro, as Liverpool circle for the midfielder as part of their revamp. Inter reportedly want no less than €50m (£44m) for him.

– Barcelona's discussions with Ousmane Dembele over a new contract have stopped, with the Catalans unable to offer him a pay rise, reports SPORT.

– Arsenal, Chelsea and Villarreal are all interested in Wolfsburg full-back Ridle Baku, claims Caught Offside.

– Newcastle United and West Ham United are leading the race to sign Wilfried Zaha on a free transfer from Crystal Palace, according to The Star.

– The Mirror reports ex-Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch has agreed to a long-term deal to take over at Leicester City following Brendan Rodgers' dismissal.

Manchester City put pressure on Premier League leaders Arsenal ahead of their trip to Liverpool on Sunday with an emphatic 4-1 victory at Southampton.

Erling Haaland's double took him to 30 Premier League goals in 27 games, just 70 shy of Son Heung-min's career total in his eighth season in England after the South Korea international made history on Saturday.

The race for the other top-four places behind Arsenal and City saw Manchester United and Newcastle United both win, while Tottenham remain three points back after riding their luck against Brighton and Hove Albion.

Stats Perform looks at some of the more notable Opta numbers to come out of the pick of Saturday's Premier League action.

Manchester United 2-0 Everton: Wasteful Red Devils still win comfortably

After goals from Scott McTominay and Anthony Martial either side of half-time, United have won 39 Premier League games against Everton, the joint-most one side have against another in the competition's history (also 39 wins for United against Spurs).

Erik ten Hag's men have won 23 of their 28 home games in all competitions this season (D3 L2), their highest total of wins in a single campaign at Old Trafford since 2010-11 (26).

As they continue to fight relegation, Everton have won just one of their last 17 away Premier League games (D7 L9) and remain winless on the road since a 2-1 victory at Southampton in October (11 games since).

McTominay's strike was his fifth in five games for club and country, as many as in his previous 106 appearances for United and Scotland combined.

Ten Hag bemoaned his side's wastefulness as United failed to convert seven big chances – six of which came in the first half – their joint-highest total on record (since 2010-11) in a league match (also seven vs Sunderland in December 2012).

Brentford 1-2 Newcastle United: Bees stung by Magpies

Brentford started well in this one but ultimately failed to win a Premier League game in which they had opened the scoring for the first time (P26 W19 D6 L1), while Newcastle have lost just one of their last five away league games in which they have conceded first (W2 D2), winning the last two.

Eddie Howe has won exactly 100 Premier League points as Newcastle boss (P56 W28 D16 L12), with only fan favourite Kevin Keegan needing fewer games (51) to reach that milestone.

Ivan Toney became just the fourth player to score home and away against Newcastle in a Premier League campaign having previously played for them in the competition, following Louis Saha (2001-02), Craig Bellamy (2008-09) and Abdoulaye Faye (2008-09).

Before netting from the spot, though, Toney failed to score a penalty for the first time since October 2018 for Peterborough United against Barnsley when he saw his first effort saved by Nick Pope, having scored 24 successive penalties before Saturday (excluding shoot-outs).

A David Raya own goal drew Newcastle level, then Alexander Isak scored his eighth Premier League goal to take the points. Seven of those have either drawn Newcastle level (two) or given them the lead (five).

Tottenham 2-1 Brighton and Hove Albion: Son reaches landmark while Seagulls are left to fume

Brighton suffered their first defeat in eight Premier League games on the road (W4 D3) since a 3-1 defeat to Manchester City in October, although they will be tempted to lay a lot of the blame at the door of the officials.

Seagulls boss Roberto Di Zerbi was furious with two goals being ruled out for alleged handballs, while Kaoru Mitoma was also denied what looked like a very good shout for a penalty. The Italian then became the first manager to be sent off twice in the Premier League this season. Cristian Stellini was also dismissed.

For Son, though, it was a landmark day as his terrific opener made him the first Asian player to score 100 Premier League goals, while he is just the 10th player in the league's history to score 100 goals and register 50 assists for one team – and the first to do so for Spurs.

Lewis Dunk equalised in his 200th Premier League appearance, with each of the last four players to mark that milestone in such a way now having been centre-backs  (also Kurt Zouma, Virgil van Dijk and Ben Mee).

But after the controversy at the other end, Harry Kane won it for Tottenham with his 10th goal in 12 appearances for the club against Brighton in all competitions. The Seagulls are the ninth team he has reached double-figures against in his career, along with Leicester City, Everton, Arsenal, Southampton, West Ham, Burnley, Crystal Palace and Stoke City.

Southampton 1-4 Manchester City

Kevin De Bruyne was back to his sensational best at St Mary's, registering his 100th Premier League assist, making him the fifth player to reach that mark and doing so in fewer appearances (237) than any of the previous four.

Haaland's brace, including an outrageous bicycle kick, meant he has scored 44 goals in all competitions for City this season – the joint-most ever by a Premier League player in a single campaign, level with Ruud van Nistelrooy (2002-03) and Mohamed Salah (2017-18).

De Bruyne laid on the opener and has assisted seven Premier League goals for Haaland this season, the most one City player has ever assisted for another in a single campaign.

Jack Grealish teed up the other Haaland goal and also got on the scoresheet. He has now been involved in 10 goals in 15 league games since the World Cup (four goals, six assists). Only Haaland (14) has been involved in more for Pep Guardiola's team in that time, while it is three more than Grealish managed in his first 34 appearances for City (four goals, three assists).

Julian Alvarez replaced Haaland and dispatched a second-half penalty, becoming the fifth different City player to score as a substitute in the Premier League this season, with only United and Wolves (six) having more.

Jurgen Klopp feels Liverpool's struggles will make him a better manager in the long run, ahead of their game with Premier League leaders Arsenal.

The Reds have been perennial silverware contenders over the past half-decade, sweeping all major domestic and international club honours.

But they have seen a dramatic dip in fortunes this season, with the German unable to keep them in contention for a title charge on multiple fronts.

Klopp, however, feels the difficulties faced this term will only help him grow going forward, adding that he does not doubt his own ability.

"In the long term, definitely," he said when asked if their hardships improved him. "Definitely. You need to improve to get the best out of yourself, you need to know about everything.

"It will help us, as with all the whole coaching staff, definitely at the moment. We have to do what is right and help the boys to become the best version of themselves again.

"If I doubted myself constantly after losing a football game, it would have been really difficult for me to [get here. ]But that's not a problem. It's not that I ever thought I'm the best manager.

"I understand football, and I understand a lot of things, you know a lot about human beings, learn a lot about human beings. Sometimes, things need time."

After a FA Cup and EFL Cup double last season, it will be another season without honours at Anfield this term, with Liverpool still fighting to reach Europe.

They welcome Arsenal looking to close the gap on seventh-place Brighton and Hove Albion, who they trail by three points.

Pep Guardiola believes Erling Haaland is a match for Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as a pure goalscorer after the striker netted his 44th goal of the season on Saturday.

Haaland scored twice as Manchester City won 4-1 away at Southampton to move them within five points of Premier League leaders Arsenal, who play Liverpool later in the weekend.

The striker's second, a brilliant acrobatic volley, took him to 44 goals in all competitions in his first season in England, now tied for the most ever by a Premier League player in a single campaign alongside Ruud van Nistelrooy (2002-03) and Mohamed Salah (2017-18).

Of those goals, 30 have come in the league, and Guardiola was full of praise for Haaland after the win, comparing his prolific talisman to two of football's greats.

"The second goal was amazing," Guardiola told BBC's Match of the Day. "It is not easy to pick the ball up in the sky and put it on the grass.

"His talent is really good. We need him. The first half was not our best level, but he changed the game.

"As a top scorer, we lived two incredible decades with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, but he is on that level. He scores a lot of goals."

Southampton, the Premier League's bottom side, largely kept City at bay in the first half until a crashing header from Haaland put the reigning champions ahead in the 45th minute.

Guardiola acknowledged Saints' stubborn display in the opening period, saying: "I give a lot of credit to Southampton. Their game plan was really, really good.

"Sometimes you have to give credit to the opposition when you're not at your level. We were fortunate to be ahead at half-time.

"We had more physicality in the second half. We found the second goal after we won a duel, and after it was easy."

City's win puts the pressure back on an Arsenal side heading to an unhappy hunting ground in Anfield, having not picked up three points there since the 2012-13 campaign, when now-manager Mikel Arteta was starting in midfield for the Gunners.

Guardiola would prefer to be in their place, though, in terms of the Premier League title race, saying: "I would like to be in the position Arsenal are in. I would love that. It is what it is."

Wolves have confirmed West Midlands Police made three arrests in connection to the homophobic chants which marred Saturday's Premier League win over Chelsea.

Frank Lampard oversaw an uninspired defeat in his first game since returning as Chelsea's caretaker boss following the sacking of Graham Potter, with Matheus Nunes' stunning strike boosting Wolves' survival hopes.

However, the hosts' victory was marred by homophobic chants being aimed at visiting supporters, which were condemned as "totally unacceptable" and "vile" in a statement from Chelsea.

Wolves responded with a statement of their own, confirming three individuals had been arrested following the incidents.

"We strongly condemn the discriminatory chants aimed towards Chelsea supporters at today's game," the club said.

"In response to the chants, supporters were reminded by a public address system announcement that discriminatory behaviour and chants of this nature are not tolerated at Molineux.

"Homophobia, like all other forms of discrimination, has no place in football or society, and anyone engaging in discriminatory behaviour is committing a criminal offence.

"As a result, we can confirm that three arrests were made by West Midlands Police relating to homophobia, and the discriminatory chants in question.

"Our ethos at Wolves is about being 'One Pack' – an attitude we are passionate about and that extends to our relationships across the football community, regardless of rivalries or what happens on the football pitch.

"We thank all supporters and staff who reported incidents, and will continue to campaign for inclusivity and tackle discriminatory abuse, whether inside stadiums or online."

Frank Lampard wants Chelsea to banish the lethargic moments that are costing them after seeing Wolves grit their teeth for a 1-0 win over the Blues at Molineux.

It took a stunning 31st-minute goal from Matheus Nunes to get the better of Chelsea in what was caretaker boss Lampard's first game of his second spell at the helm.

Lampard featured in the most successful team in Chelsea's history, with the Englishman ending his career as the club's record scorer, which was no mean feat for a midfielder.

He was a tireless presence in the Chelsea team, and he wants to see the same energy and concentration from the current breed of players, believing it has been lacking at times.

"We know we're not in the position we want to be and there is always a reason for it," Lampard said. "I was aware of that, and I did not expect to solve everything in one day.

"If you're analysing it, in a Premier League game you have to have more aggression in your game, more speed, more competitive duels that go your way, rather than the opposition.

"That is baseline stuff against a team fighting for their Premier League lives. It will always dictate the result of the game, regardless of the talent.

"There was a little bit of that today and the players need to be aware of that, because without that you can't win games and you can't be the team that Chelsea has been at different times, and we want to get back to."

He added: "I am here to help with that, and this is not stinging criticism, but what are the reasons we can be like that at times?

"I know there is a lot of talent there in the squad, I have seen that in the last couple of days, and I look forward to working more with it."

Chelsea's lack of a specialist striker once more cost them as they lacked a focal point for their attacking, with Kai Havertz again the nominal centre forward.

Havertz is arguably better deployed in a midfield role and gave Wolves few causes for concern.

Real Madrid will have hardly been petrified by what they saw either, ahead of their Champions League quarter-final first leg against Lampard's men on Wednesday.

Lampard rested N'Golo Kante, whose return from a hamstring injury lay-off is being carefully managed, but the Frenchman should line up at the Santiago Bernabeu.

There was a pre-match blow on Saturday when Mason Mount was ruled out by what Lampard confirmed was continuing pelvic trouble.

Lampard, having been sacked in January by Everton, relished his return to touchline duty with Chelsea, if not the result.

"I am very happy to be back," he said. "But I'm disappointed I could not give the fans a win in the first game back.

"But we go again and have a huge game waiting for us on Wednesday in the Champions League, and I am very excited about that."

Wolves, meanwhile, could face punishment from the Football Association after home fans were heard chanting "Chelsea rent boys" during the game.

The FA said in January it would consider the homophobic chant a breach of its rules that could lead to disciplinary action, while the Crown Prosecution Service has classed it as a hate crime.

Chelsea said in a statement on Saturday: "Chelsea Football Club finds all forms of discriminatory behaviour totally unacceptable.

"It condemns the homophobic chanting by some home fans at Molineux this afternoon. Chelsea will continue to work closely with Chelsea Pride and the broader football community to eradicate these vile chants from our game."

In a supportive message, the Premier League said the chant "has no place in football or society".