LONDON, Jan 26, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Cody Gakpo struck twice as Premier League
leaders Liverpool thrashed Ipswich 4-1 to maintain their six-point lead over
Arsenal, who survived Myles Lewis-Skelly's controversial red card to snatch a
1-0 win at Wolves in the Premier League on Saturday.

Troubled champions Manchester City recovered from Abdukodir Khusanov's debut
disaster to move into fourth place with a vital 3-1 win against top four
rivals Chelsea.

At Anfield, Liverpool cruised to their second successive league victory
thanks to a first half goal-spree.

Dominik Szoboszlai's 11th-minute opener fizzed past Ipswich goalkeeper
Christian Walton from Ibrahima Konate's assist.

Mohamed Salah doubled Liverpool's advantage in the 35th minute with a fierce
strike for his 23rd goal in all competitions this term.

It was also the Egypt forward's 100th Premier League goal at Anfield.

Gakpo killed off Ipswich before half-time when he bundled home after Walton
parried Szoboszlai's shot in the 44th minute.

The Dutch forward netted again in the 66th minute, heading past Walton from
Trent Alexander-Arnold's cross.

Jacob Greaves' stoppage-time diving header was little consolation for third-
bottom Ipswich.

Liverpool's 16th win from 22 league games this season keeps them on course
for a first English title since 2020.

"I think about how can I make sure these players play in a style I would love
them to play. And they have done that from the start. It's a joy to watch,"
Liverpool boss Arne Slot said.

The quadruple-chasing Reds have a game in hand on second-placed Arsenal, who
left it late before keeping the pressure on the leaders.

Arsenal had Lewis-Skelly contentiously sent off for tripping Matt Doherty to
stop a Wolves counter-attack in the 43rd minute.

Arsenal were furious, protesting that the 18-year-old defender's tackle was
too far from goal to warrant a red card.

But Wolves were also reduced t0 10 men in the 70th minute when Joao Gomes
earned a second booking for a foul on Jurrien Timber.

And Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori won it for Arsenal in the 74th minute
with a half-volley that went in off the far post.

- 'Difficult to accept' -

"It's obvious that it was very difficult to accept. I leave it to you guys
because it's that obvious. You don't need my words. It was so obvious,"
Arteta told reporters of Lewis-Skelly's dismissal.

At the Etihad Stadium, Uzbekistan defender Khusanov, signed from Lens as part
of struggling City's January overhaul, made a woeful start when his miscued
header allowed Noni Madueke to give Chelsea a second minute lead.

But City, who also gave a debut to Egypt forward Omar Marmoush after his move
from Eintracht Frankfurt, hit back to equalise with Josko Gvardiol's 42nd
minute strike.

Erling Haaland chipped out of position Chelsea keeper Robert Sanchez to put
City ahead in the 68th minute.

Phil Foden sprinted clear to score his sixth goal in his last four league
games in the 87th minute as Pep Guardiola's side climbed one point above
sixth-placed Chelsea.

It was a much-needed win for City, who suffered a damaging loss at Paris
Saint-Germain on Wednesday and must beat Club Brugge next week to have a
chance of reaching the Champions League play-off round.

"Not the best start but we recovered emotionally and made a good
performance," Guardiola said.

"Any player can make a mistake. Khusanov's so young. He will learn. The
players were together. That was massively important."

Dango Ouattara hit a hat-trick as Bournemouth dented Nottingham Forest's top
four charge with a 5-0 demolition at the Vitality Stadium.

Andoni Iraola's side are undefeated in their last 11 league games and up to
seventh place after ending third-placed Forest's own impressive run of eight
top-flight matches without losing.

Justin Kluivert bagged Bournemouth's opener and Ouattara completed a
memorable treble before Antoine Semenyo sealed the Cherries' biggest victory
this season.

Alexander Isak starred as fifth-placed Newcastle won 3-1 at bottom of the
table Southampton.

Jan Bednarek put Southampton ahead but in-form Isak struck twice before
Sandro Tonali scored Newcastle's third.

Everton boss David Moyes celebrated becoming the third manager to reach 700
Premier League games with a 1-0 win at Brighton secured by Iliman Ndiaye's
42nd minute penalty.