Sunday Highlights: Slot’s Surprise, Denis Law Tribute, And Arteta’s struggles

Premier League leaders Liverpool tightened their grip on top spot as injury-hit Arsenal’s title challenge was dealt another blow.

Liverpool manager, Arne Slot was pleasantly surprised by his side’s dramatic 2-0 success at Brentford before Gunners manager Arteta was left frustrated by a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa.

Tributes poured in for Manchester United legend Denis Law, celebrating his remarkable contributions to the club and the sport.

Meanwhile, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made his return to management, stepping back into the coaching arena for the first time since departing from Old Trafford.

Liverpool players prove Slot wrong

Slot said his players “proved him wrong” after Darwin Nunez’s stoppage-time double earned Liverpool a precious three points at Brentford.

Nunez entered the match as a substitute and promptly scored by converting a cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold. Just two minutes later, he capped off a swift counter-attack with another goal.

The Reds unleashed 37 attempts in West London, seeking to avoid a third consecutive match without a victory after drawing against Manchester United and Nottingham Forest. Fortunately, the late surge from the Uruguayan provided a much-needed breakthrough.

“So many times in recent weeks we’ve missed a lot of chances,” said Slot, whose side moved six points clear with a game in hand.

“It would have been surprising if I felt that after all the chances missed today we’d score in the last five minutes. The players proved me wrong… again.”

Arsenal’s extensive injury list proves to be costly

Arsenal manager, Arteta suggested that injuries within the squad are jeopardizing their title challenge after suffering a heavy defeat to Aston Villa.

Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz put the Gunners in control at Emirates Stadium but Villa fought back through goals from Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins.

The Gunners have been rocked by injuries to a host of players this season, with Bukayo Saka out until at least March while Gabriel Jesus is sidelined for the season.

Saka’s teenage understudy, Ethan Nwaneri, is also unavailable, and Arteta faced another injury setback on the eve of Saturday’s match, as William Saliba was ruled out. He joins fellow defenders Riccardo Calafiori, Ben White, and Takehiro Tomiyasu in the treatment room.

“When you look at the bench, you would probably say we are very short,” said Arteta.

Tributes to the ‘giant of Scottish football’

Law’s legacy as a “giant of Scottish football” will continue to inspire future generations, Scotland First Minister John Swinney said as further tributes poured in for the Manchester United great.

Law, affectionately known as ‘The King,’ passed away on Friday at the age of 84. He had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia in 2021.

With 30 goals the Aberdeen-born striker remains joint record scorer for Scotland alongside Sir Kenny Dalglish and is still the only Scottish player to have won a Ballon d’Or.

“He was a giant of Scottish football and one of Scotland’s greatest sons,” Swinney said of Law.

“The legacy from his incredible sporting career had a profound impact on future generations across Scotland and beyond, and I know it will continue to inspire the next generation.”

Solskjaer returns to the managerial spotlight

Former Manchester United manager, Solskjaer was confirmed as the new manager at Turkish club Besiktas.

Solskjaer, who has been without a coaching position since departing Old Trafford in 2021, has now assumed the role of head coach at the Super Lig club, which has been without a leader since parting ways with Giovanni van Bronckhorst last month.

The Norwegian arrived in Istanbul on Friday and has agreed a deal until the end of the 2025-2026 season, with a one-year extension option.

“We welcome Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who we believe will provide important services to our club and to the Besiktas family, and wish him outstanding success,” read a statement on the Besiktas website.

What is set for today?

Erling Haaland aims to celebrate his new nine-and-a-half-year contract in style as Manchester City visits relegation-threatened Ipswich.

Ruben Amorim’s quest to revive Manchester United‘s fortunes continues at home to Brighton, while outside title contenders Nottingham Forest host rock-bottom Southampton.