Sunday’s briefing: Chelsea help Arsenal to summit as Amorim eases pressure

Arsenal got a helping hand from rivals Chelsea to replace Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table on another worrying day for the defending champions.

Ruben Amorim got some respite from the pressure at Manchester United with a much-needed 2-0 win over Sunderland, while across town Manchester City shook up the Women’s Super League standings with a late winner against Arsenal.

In the Championship, Coventry feasted on troubled Sheffield Wednesday in a 5-0 rout that puts Frank Lampard’s men top of the table.

Gunners on top after late drama at Chelsea

Arsenal ended Saturday on top of the Premier League after beating West Ham 2-0 before Brazilian teenager Estevao Willian hit a stoppage-time winner for Chelsea against Liverpool.

Goals in either half from former Hammer Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka gave Arsenal a routine win over Nuno Espirito Santo’s side in Mikel Arteta’s 300th game in charge.

The real drama then unfolded at Stamford Bridge as champions Liverpool lost for a third straight game in all competitions, and again went down to a late goal.

Cody Gakpo had cancelled out a superb opener from one-time Liverpool target Moises Caicedo just after the hour, but in the fifth minute of time added on Estevao sparked wild celebrations that ended with Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca being sent off – not that he will have cared too much at that point.

Relief for under-pressure Amorim

After spending the build-up to his 50th game in charge of Manchester United facing questions about his future following last week’s loss at Brentford, Amorim could breathe a little easier after seeing his side ease to victory over Sunderland.

Mason Mount’s eighth-minute goal set them on their way and summer signing Benjamin Sesko then struck his second goal in as many games.

The result gave United a third straight home win for the first time in two years, and fans celebrated by showing their support for Amorim.

There was also a debut – and a clean sheet – for goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who stepped in for Altay Bayindir.

City beat Arsenal to show title credentials

In the WSL, Manchester City closed the gap to leaders to a single point as Iman Beney struck in the 88th minute to seal a thrilling 3-2 win over title rivals Arsenal.

Switzerland forward Beney, 19, slotted home five minutes after former City star Chloe Kelly’s deflected strike brought the European champions level for a second time.

The defeat leaves Arsenal already five points behind in the table, winless in their last three.

However, it was a result to lend some credence to the claims of City boss Andree Jeglertz that his side can challenge for the title this term.

Coventry hammer sorry Owls to go top

Coventry moved above Middlesbrough at the top of the Championship in some style as Brandon Thomas-Asante scored twice in a 5-0 away win over a sorry Wednesday side, whose afternoon was interrupted by a pitch invasion by fans protesting against club owner Dejphon Chansiri.

The contrast in the fortunes of these two clubs was clear as Thomas-Asante struck twice before goals from Haji Wright, Ellis Simms and Tatsuhiro Sakamoto saw Coventry take full advantage of Boro’s 1-0 loss at Portsmouth, while Owls fans vented their fury at their owner.

Wednesday, second bottom of the table, face the prospect of a points deduction after wage payments to players were delayed for a fifth time in seven months.

But there are no such problems for a Coventry side still unbeaten after nine league games this season, leaving them one point clear of Boro.

What’s on today?

A busy day in the Premier League is highlighted by the 2pm kick-off between Newcastle and Nottingham Forest, with visiting boss Ange Postecoglou already under intense pressure after going six games without a win in his first month in charge.

Crystal Palace will look to extend their winless start to the season away to Everton while Manchester City head to Brentford in the 4.30pm kick-off.

There are four games in the WSL, with Tottenham looking to continue their strong start at home to Brighton.