Three talking points from the Premier League weekend
Manchester City maintained the Premier League title contest with a thrilling last-minute reversal to secure an uncommon victory at Liverpool on Sunday, keeping pace with Arsenal who lead by six points.
The loss represented yet another setback for Liverpool's bid for Champions League qualification, as they fell further behind a resurgent Manchester United team under Michael Carrick's guidance.
Newcastle's aspirations for a top-five position seem dashed now, following a 3-2 defeat at home to Brentford that capped off a tough week for Eddie Howe's squad.
AFP Sport examines three key discussion points from the Premier League weekend:
City break Anfield curse
Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva admitted that even his team thought the title challenge might be finished if they had dropped points at Anfield.
Facing the prospect of yet another away loss to Liverpool just six minutes from the end, Silva ignited a frenzied conclusion that has left Arsenal supporters on edge.
Silva's levelling goal was soon matched by Erling Haaland's penalty in added time, giving City their first win in front of spectators at Anfield since 2003.
"We have triumphed at Anfield at last," remarked Pep Guardiola, whose prior success there occurred only during the empty-stadium period of the coronavirus pandemic.
"All we can do is stay bold. Keep close to Arsenal, and if they falter, capitalise on it."
The Gunners, fresh from a 3-0 victory over Sunderland on Saturday, stay firm favourites for their first championship in 22 years.
However, City can intensify the pressure on the frontrunners by reducing the deficit to three points against Fulham at home on Wednesday, a day ahead of Arsenal's trip to the in-form Brentford.
Carrick's credentials impossible to overlook
Manchester United have experienced this scenario previously, with a club legend swiftly boosting the team's performance shortly after starting an interim role.
The Red Devils aim to apply insights from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's 2019 hire, yet Carrick's achievements are compelling.
Since the ex-Middlesbrough manager assumed control last month, United have notched four straight wins, something Ruben Amorim failed to achieve in his troubled 14-month tenure.
Tottenham suffered a 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford on Saturday, ending their unbeaten run of eight matches against United.
"Carrick arrived with solid plans, entrusting players with duties and liberty on the field," noted captain Bruno Fernandes.
"He understands the significance of victory for this club. It brings an extra spark to the squad."
Newcastle's tough truth for Howe
Howe conceded he must halt a worrying downturn that has stranded Newcastle in the lower reaches of the standings.
A streak of just one victory in eight outings has resulted in the Magpies' League Cup defence crushed by City, a bypassed spot in the Champions League last 16, and a slide to 12th place.
"I face a stark truth," Howe stated. "I believe I need to improve my efforts, contribute more.
"I must accept complete accountability for what unfolds on the pitch and devise fixes."
The 48-year-old has much to reflect on regarding whether he has reached his limit at Tyneside.
Even with backing from the Saudi sovereign wealth fund, Newcastle has struggled against financial fair play regulations, leaving Howe repeatedly disappointed over squad reinforcements in transfers.
He has secured Champions League spots twice and claimed the club's initial major trophy in 70 years since assuming the role over four years back.
Nevertheless, speculation links him to succeeding Thomas Tuchel as England manager post-World Cup, and he would prefer to avoid damaging his standing with a dismal season close.