It’s Guardiola vs Klopp again as Man City, Liverpool top EPL

LONDON, England (AP):

One of the English Premier League's (EPL) most enduring rivalries looks set to be revived as Manchester City and Liverpool lead the way once again.

Just one point separates the two at the top of the points standing after first-place City was held to a thrilling 4-4 draw at Chelsea yesterday.

Earlier in the day, Mohamed Salah scored twice in a 3-0 win against Brentford for the Merseyside-based Liverpool to move level on points with Pep Guardiola's defending champions.

It sets up a tantalising clash between City and Liverpool on November 25 after the international break.

Last season's runner-up, Arsenal, are also a point behind City and in third place on goal difference. Tottenham are fourth, two points off City, after back-to-back losses.

Liverpool's potential challenge comes after slipping out of contention last year as Jurgen Klopp embarked on a refresh of a squad that had won every major trophy from 2019.

A disappointing campaign saw the 19-time champions fail to qualify for the Champions League, questioning their ability to again challenge City as star players like Sadio Mane departed.

Klopp's new-look Liverpool are answering all those doubts, while Salah remains its talisman, with the Egypt international scoring a landmark 200th goal in English football against Brentford.

Salah put Liverpool on course to extend their 100 per cent home record this season with goals in each half at Anfield. Diogo Jota added a third.

The win saw Liverpool move above Arsenal, and it was then over to City to see if they could open up a three-point lead going into the international break. And when Rodri scored with a deflected shot in the 86th, it looked like Guardiola's team had overcome a crucial test at Chelsea.

Instead, Cole Palmer, who only left City in September, returned to haunt them by converting a penalty in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time.

HOME RUN

Unai Emery has turned Villa Park into a fortress.

Aston Villa beat Fulham 3-1 yesterday to make it 13 straight home wins in the EPL. That form has put the top four within sight for Villa, who looked in danger of relegation before Emery was hired last year.

"Today, we can be happy and optimistic about where we are. But you have to be very consistent. It's difficult," Emery said. "We'll try to work hard to be there."

Villa are now just one point behind fourth-place Tottenham.

West Ham also won at home after Tomas Soucek scored late on to beat Nottingham Forest 3-2 after both teams had led at London Stadium.

BRIGHTON SLUMPS

After last season's highs, it's down to earth for Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi.

The Italian is suffering his worst league run since taking over last year, with Sunday's 1-1 draw with Sheffield United extending the Seagulls' winless run to six games.

De Zerbi led Brighton to their highest finish last season - sixth - and qualified for the Europa League, but they have not won a league match since beating Bournemouth 3-1 on September 24.