African trio directs Liverpool win, City slip at home to Southampton

Manchester City failed to win at home against Southampton, while Liverpool and Arsenal cliched important victories in the Saturday EPL games.

While Citizens struggled and simply couldn't find the back of the net, the Reds should thank their African gems - Salah, Mane and Keita - for their three exquisite goals that sealed a 3-0 victory despite Crystal Palace's more than a decent performance at Enfield.

Patrick Vierra's slot was confident and no-nonsense straight from the kick-off, but a poor finishing prevented them from an early opener that would entirely change the game's development.

Benteke and his teammates weren't scared at all, but the lack of calmness led to a goalless first half an hour. That was the moment when Jurgen Klopp's squad finally got a grip and made a statement.

Just a minute or two before the half-time break, the Reds exploited their set-pieces knowledge, with Salah's header being stopped by the keeper before Sadio Mane snaped it from close range for 1-0.

It was much easier for the hosts to go ahead with one up on the scoreboard, despite Crystal Palace efforts to bring back the game into a stalemate.

Once again, however, the set-pieces and the African axis were the ones to blame for the second goal. Only this time, Mane provided unmarked Salah with a beautiful assist, and it was a piece of cake for the Egyptian star to double the lead.

Finally, Naby Keita put the cherry on top with the third African goal of the match that also came as a result of perfectly executed set-pieces action.

On the other end, City did their best to stay on the top of the table, but in a disappointing outcome for the Citizens, the visitors hold on to a much-deserved goalless draw.

Last but not least, Arsenal were finally concrete and returned from Burnley with all three points in their bags following Martin Odegaard's first-half winner, a beautiful free-kick from 20 yards out. What awaits them is none other than the North London derby against Tottenham on September 26 at Emirates.

PREMIER LEAGUE - ROUND 5

Friday

Newcastle - Leeds 1-1 (1-1)

/Saint-Maximin 44' - Raphinha 13'/

Saturday

Wolverhampton - Brentford 0-2 (0-2)

/Toney 28, Mbeumo 34/

Burnley - Arsenal 0-1 (0-1)

/Odegaard 30/

Liverpool Crystal Palace 3-0 (1-0)

/Mane 43, Salah 78, Keita 89/

Man.City - Southampton 0-0

Norwich - Watford 1-3 (1-1)

/Pukki 35 - Dennis 17, Sarr 63, 82/

Aston Villa - Everton still in progress

Sunday

16:00: (4.60) West Ham (3.70) Man.Utd. (1.85)

16:00: (2.80) Brighton (2.90) Leicester (3.05)

18:30: (5.20) Tottenham (3.60) Chelsea (1.80)