Premier League news, reaction to Arsenal drama and Salah’s return, WSL buildup and more – matchday live | Football

A few more bits of football news before we start looking ahead to today’s action…

Arsenal extend lead at the top but struggle in win over Wolves.

Arsenal secured a dramatic stoppage-time 2-1 victory against Wolves to extend their lead over Manchester City to five points at the top of the Premier League.

The Gunners were off the pace for much of Saturday’s encounter under the lights at the Emirates Stadium – but they lucked-in after 70 minutes when Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone diverted Bukayo Saka’s corner into his own net.

Wolves struck back in the 90th minute through substitute Tolu Arokodare to leave the home side stunned.

But a fortuitous Arsenal regained the lead in the fourth minute of added time when Yerson Mosquera, under pressure from substitute Gabriel Jesus, headed Saka’s cross into his own net.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta expected more from his team: “We knew it would not be an easy game, but we made it even harder and more difficult with what we did, and the manner that we conceded the goal, and that is unacceptable.”

Chelsea win on Palmer’s return but something is bothering Maresca

A routine win for Chelsea became something a lot more mysterious thanks to a cryptic comment from Enzo Maresca in the post-match press conference. “The last 48 hours,” he said, “have been the hardest since I joined the club because so many people didn’t support me and the team.” He clarified that he was not referring to the fans, or even the media, but to an internal issue at the club ut would not elaborate further. Whether a 2-0 win over Everton will quieten down the noise, remains to to be seen.

Sunderland great Rowell dies after leukaemia battle

The former Sunderland striker Gary Rowell has died at the age of 68, the Black Cats have confirmed, saying the club was “truly devastated” to announce his passing after a long battle with leukaemia.

The Seaham-born Rowell, who scored a hat-trick in a 4-1 Division Two win over Newcastle at St James’ Park in February 1979, died on Saturday. His death comes 50 years to the day since he made his Sunderland debut and just a day before the Black Cats host the Magpies in the first Premier League derby between the clubs since March 2016, at which the hosts will mark Rowell’s death.

Rowell made 297 appearances for Sunderland of which he was a lifelong supporter and scored 103 goals during a 12-year stay at Roker Park. He was spotted playing for Seaham Juniors and signed as an apprentice in 1972 before being handed a first professional contract two years later.

Turf Moor boos upset Parker after Burnley fall to Fulham

Scott Parker admitted the sound of Burnley fans booing at the final whistle of Saturday’s 3-2 home loss to Fulham “breaks my heart” after his relegation-battling side fell to a seventh straight Premier League loss.

Emile Smith Rowe gave Fulham the lead and then, after Lesley Ugochukwu levelled, Burnley allowed Calvin Bassey to put the Cottagers back in front. Harry Wilson added a decisive third before the hour with Oliver Sonne’s consolation too late for the hosts.

“It was only four months ago that I was standing on the balcony in the town centre and all of us were celebrating and the fans were right with us, and within four months that quickly changes,” Parker said.

“It breaks my heart at the end of the game because we came here today wanting to please our fans and wanting them to support us.”