ManU frustrate Liverpool as Arsenal back on top

Liverpool, Dec. 19: Erik ten Hag needed this. A 0-0 draw at Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday won't win any beauty pageants, but a stubborn and battling performance at Anfield suggests Manchester United's players are up for the fight.

On too many occasions this season, the opposite has looked to be the case.

"You have to fight always for the badge," United manager Ten Hag said. "The way we defended it was almost perfect. When we made a mistake there was always a teammate to sort it out. I think that is the big win from today. We have to keep this and bring this every game."

United had folded at the home of its fiercest rival when routed 7-0 on its last visit in March.

A draw saw Liverpool knocked off the top of the table and into second place by Arsenal, which beat Brighton 2-0 and travels to Anfield on Saturday.

It was a frustrating day for Liverpool, which dominated the possession and chances, though Rasmus Hojlund's second-half effort from close range for United was arguably the best opening created by either team.

"The main thing I don't like is the result, we should have won the game," Klopp said. 

Second-place Liverpool is one point behind Arsenal and above third-place Aston Villa on goal difference.

After leading the Premier League for 248 days last season without going on to win the title, Arsenal looks like a serious challenger again.

Mikel Arteta's team moved back to the top of the table on Sunday after a 2-0 win against Brighton and Liverpool's draw.

Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz both scored in the second half at Emirates Stadium to extend Arsenal's advantage over fourth-place City to five points.

Third-place Aston Villa may well be a surprise challenger if it can continue its outstanding early season form after moving level on points with second-place Liverpool and one behind Arsenal.

Trailing 1-0 at Brentford after Keane Lewis-Potter's first-half goal, Unai Emery's team came back to win 2-1, with Ben Mee's red card in the 71st a turning point.

Alex Moreno evened the score at GTech Community Stadium six minutes later and Ollie Watkins found the winner in the 85th.

Villa had Boubacar Kamara sent off in the seventh minute of stoppage time, but Villa held on to make it five wins out of its last six games in the league.

Later Villa asked for an investigation after Watkins said he had been abused by a Brentford fan.

Mohammed Kudus is looking like one of the buys of the season after West Ham signed him from Ajax for around $48 million in August. He struck twice as David Moyes' team beat Wolves 3-0 at London Stadium. (AP)