Arsenal back on top as Liverpool stumble

LIVERPOOL, England (AP):

After leading the English Premier League for 248 days last season without going on to win the title, Arsenal look set to challenge again.

Mikel Arteta’s team moved back to the top of the table yesterday after a 2-0 win against Brighton.

And the Londoners will remain in first place ahead of their visit to Anfield on Saturday after Liverpool were later held at home by Manchester United in a 0-0 draw.

Arsenal made the most of defending champions Manchester City’s surprise draw against Crystal Palace on Saturday – and the weekend got even better for Arteta as Liverpool dropped points, as well.

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. Arsenal is one point in front of second-place Liverpool.

VILLA COMEBACK

Aston Villa may well be surprise challengers if they can continue their outstanding early season form.

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.

KUDUS DOUBLE

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.

The attacker had also scored in Thursday’s Europa League win against Freiburg and his double on Sunday made it four goals in his last five games. He has eight goals in all competitions for West Ham.

Jarrod Bowen was also on the scoresheet for his 10th of the season.