Late strikes cost Reds and City as United manager defends role

Dramatic late goals turned the Premier League on its head on Sunday as Liverpool and Manchester City dropped crucial points, while Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim made headlines with his post-match comments questioning his role at the club.

At Craven Cottage, Liverpool saw victory snatched away in stoppage time when Harrison Reed struck a stunning 25-yard equalizer to earn Fulham a 2-2 draw. The Reds had seemed set for a late win after Cody Gakpo’s 94th-minute goal, but Reed, who had only just entered the game, fired immediately after kickoff to stun the visiting supporters. Fulham had earlier taken the lead through Harry Wilson, only for Florian Wirtz to level in the 57th minute.

“This has been happening for months now,” said Liverpool coach Arne Slot. “The first chance the other team gets sometimes leads to a goal, and then unexpected goals in stoppage time surprise us again. We need to improve.” Slot’s side remains fourth in the table, 14 points behind leaders Arsenal.

Meanwhile, Manchester City’s title hopes took a hit at the Etihad as Chelsea, without a permanent manager after Enzo Maresca’s departure, secured a 1-1 draw thanks to Enzo Fernandez’s 94th-minute finish. City had gone ahead through Tijjani Reijnders at halftime, but missed opportunities and late defensive lapses proved costly. Injuries to defenders Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias compounded City’s struggles. City now trails Arsenal by six points after consecutive draws, including a 1-1 result at Sunderland earlier in the week.

Chelsea, under interim youth coach Calum McFarlane, showed resilience despite the managerial shuffle. Fernandez’s goal at the far post punished City for failing to capitalize on chances, highlighting the importance of focus until the final whistle.

At Elland Road, Manchester United salvaged a 1-1 draw with Leeds thanks to Matheus Cunha’s equalizer. Leeds had taken the lead through Brenden Aaronson in the 62nd minute after a clever run past United’s Ayden Heaven. Cunha responded three minutes later, sliding a shot past goalkeeper Lucas Perri. United had chances to win late, with Cunha hitting the post from a curling effort outside the box.

Amorim, however, dominated the headlines post-match, addressing questions about his tactics amid recent scrutiny at Old Trafford. “I came here to be the manager of Manchester United, not the coach,” he said. “My name is not Tuchel, Conte, or Mourinho, but I am the manager here, and that is how it will be for the next 18 months or until the board decides otherwise.”

Despite missing key players captain Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount, and forwards Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo United have lost only two of their last 14 league games, though six draws in that period have hampered their challenge for the top three. Fernandes and Mount may return soon, offering hope for the side’s attacking depth.

Elsewhere in the league, Igor Thiago continued his rich vein of form with a hat trick in Brentford’s 4-2 win over Everton. Thiago has now scored 14 league goals this season, second only to Manchester City’s Erling Haaland. Newcastle secured a 2-0 win at Crystal Palace, while Tottenham was held 1-1 by Sunderland after Brian Brobbey’s late equalizer.

The day was also marred by tragedy, as Leeds confirmed the death of a supporter following a medical emergency before the game. The club extended condolences to the fan’s family and friends.

The Premier League remains wide open, with Arsenal at the summit but City, Liverpool, and United facing challenges that underline how unpredictable the season has become. Late drama and managerial tensions are shaping what promises to be a gripping title race.