A 1-0 win for Liverpool and a 4-0 for Manchester City meant that the situation at the top of the Premier League table remained static for yet another week.
An early goal from Naby Keita separated the Reds from Newcastle United on their trip to St James’ Park. While the goal itself was scored under controversial circumstances, it did help Jurgen Klopp’s side keep up with Manchester City – and even overtake them for a few hours – at the top of the Premier League.
Liverpool took the lead 19 minutes in, continuing to progress the ball while Newcastle protested a foul against Fabian Schar and demanded that the Reds put the ball out of play. But, the play continued, and an instinctive give-and-go with Diogo Jota allowed Keita to get behind the opposition defence. The midfielder kept his composure even as Newcastle threw bodies on the line and squeezed the ball in to put his side ahead.
Later on, at Elland Road, City stole back the lead from Liverpool with a thumping 4-0 win over Leeds United. The Citizens led just 13 minutes in through Rodri’s header, but they switched up the gears in the second half, and three further goals helped them brush aside Jesse Marsch’s side despite some early scares.
Nathan Ake scored the first of the three second-half goals in the 54th minute from a corner, Gabriel Jesus added another in the 78th from close range, and there was even time for the 36-year-old Fernandino to get his name on the scoresheet, just before the referee blew his whistle.
The results in Gameweek 35 had repercussions on the other end of the table, as well. Burnley’s late comeback win over Watford pushed the Hornets closer to relegation, thrust Leeds and Everton into danger, and propelled the Clarets away from the relegation zone.
But, for Norwich City, a loss against Aston Villa meant that their fate was sealed. The Canaries were relegated from the Premier League yet again; the 2-0 defeat meant it became mathematically impossible for them to rescue their campaign.
2021/22 Premier League: bottom half of the table
| # | Team | Matches played | Goal difference | Points |
| 10 | Newcastle United | 35 | -16 | 43 |
| 11 | Leicester City | 32 | -4 | 42 |
| 12 | Crystal Palace | 34 | +3 | 41 |
| 13 | Aston Villa | 33 | -2 | 40 |
| 14 | Brentford | 34 | -8 | 40 |
| 15 | Southampton | 35 | -17 | 40 |
| 16 | Burnley | 34 | -15 | 34 |
| 17 | Leeds United | 34 | -34 | 34 |
| 18 | Everton | 32 | -21 | 29 |
| 19 | Watford | 34 | -37 | 22 |
| 20 | Norwich City | 34 | -49 | 21 |
