Premier League: Man City struggle without Rodri; Liverpool beats Wolves to go top

With Rodri sidelined after knee ligament surgery in Spain, Guardiola started both Ilkay Gundogan and Mateo Kovacic. City began strongly, taking the lead in the 35th minute through Josko Gvardiol, assisted by Jack Grealish. However, Newcastle improved after halftime, equalizing just before the hour when Anthony Gordon converted a penalty after being fouled by City goalkeeper Ederson.

London: The debate over the importance of Rodrigo Hernandez for Manchester City is set to continue after Pep Guardiola’s side were held to a 1-1 draw away to Newcastle United.

Without Rodri, who had an operation in Spain at the end of the week for his damaged knee ligament, Guardiola included both Ilkay Gundogan and Mateo Kovacic in his starting 11.

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City got off to a positive start and took the lead in the 35th minute when Josko Gvardiol finished following an assist from Jack Grealish, but Newcastle improved in the second half and leveled just before the hour mark when Anthony Gordon scored from the penalty spot after he had been brought down by City goalkeeper Ederson, reports Xinhua.

Liverpool moved to the top of the Premier League with a 2-1 win away to Wolverhampton Wanderers in Saturday’s late kickoff.

Ibrahim Konate put Liverpool ahead with a header from a Diogo Jota cross just before halftime, but Rayan Ait-Nouri equalized for Wolves following a mistake by Jota.

The home side’s joy was short-lived as just five minutes later Mo Salah scored the winner from the penalty spot after a foul by Nelson Semedo.

Leandro Trossard scored twice, with his second coming deep into injury time, as Arsenal overcame a second half hiccup to win 4-2 at home against Leicester City.

Chelsea striker Cole Palmer had a day to remember as he scored all four goals in their 4-2 win at home against Brighton.

Raul Jimenez’s 51st minute penalty gave Fulham a 1-0 win away to Nottingham Forest to end the home side’s unbeaten start to the season, while two goals from Dwight McNeil gave Everton their vital first win of the campaign after Marc Guehi had put Crystal Palace ahead after 10 minutes of their match at Goodison Park.

Tomas Soucek’s 54th minute goal saved a point for West Ham United away to Brentford, who had taken the lead through Bryan Mbeumo’s first minute goal from Fabio Carvalho’s assist.

The point ends a difficult week for West Ham coach Julen Lopetegui after heavy defeats to Liverpool and Chelsea.