Sunday’s briefing: Arsenal survive Wolves scare and Mohamed Salah returns

Arsenal left it late to beat bottom club Wolves and extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table.

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot played down the on-going speculation over a rift with Mohamed Salah after the Egypt forward returned to the fold in the win over Brighton.

At the other end of the table, Burnley slipped to a seventh straight Premier League loss with a 3-2 home defeat by Fulham.

Gunners snatch crucial win

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,” he said.

Manchester City have the opportunity to trim the Gunners’ advantage back to two points when they face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday, while Wolves slipped to a ninth successive league defeat.

Slot claims Salah future not an issue

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot insisted there was “no issue to resolve” regarding Mohamed Salah as the Egypt international heads for the Africa Cup of Nations with uncertainty still surrounding his future.

Salah returned for the 2-0 victory over Brighton after being dropped for his outspoken interview last weekend which raised questions about his continued stay at Anfield.

But having come off the bench midway through the first half, Salah’s corner allowed Hugo Ekitike to score his second – his first having come after 46 seconds which was the fastest Premier League goal of the season.

“For me there is no issue to resolve. He is now the same as any other player,” said Slot, who had talks with Salah on Friday, with contact between the forward’s representatives set to continue while he is away.

“I usually never say anything about what we talk about, I am not going to make an exception now – but I think actions speak louder than what has been said and he was in the squad again.”

Parker heartbroken by Burnley boos

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.”

Arsenal back to form in WSL

Arsenal secured back-to-back Women’s Super League wins after a 3-1 victory at Everton.

A chaotic four minutes saw three goals scored as Honoka Hayashi levelled from Katie McCabe’s opener, but Alessia Russo quickly restored the Gunners’ lead on her 100th WSL appearance.

Leah Williamson made her return from injury with a brief cameo at the end of the second half before Olivia Smith wrapped up a sixth league win of the season for the Gunners.

What’s on today?

There are five Premier League matches on Sunday. Sunderland take on rivals Newcastle in the Wear-Tyne derby, Manchester City are away at Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest host Tottenham and West Ham face in-form Aston Villa before Leeds travel to Brentford.

New Celtic boss Wilfried Nancy could get his first trophy in the Premier Sports Cup final against St Mirren at Hampden Park.

In the Women’s Super League, leaders Manchester City host Aston Villa while Chelsea are away at Brighton and Manchester United take on Tottenham.