London, March 21 — In Premier League action on Saturday, Manchester United were held to a 2-2 draw by spirited AFC Bournemouth on the south coast, Brighton & Hove Albion beat Liverpool 2-1 at the Amex Stadium, and Fulham rallied to a 3-1 win over Burnley at Craven Cottage.
United’s visit to Bournemouth proved chaotic and costly. Bruno Fernandes opened the scoring from the penalty spot after driving into the box and winning a foul, but Ryan Christie levelled for the hosts soon after. United then went ahead again when a Fernandes corner resulted in a scruffy goal that deflected in off a defender with heavy involvement from Harry Maguire. Moments after celebrating, Maguire was sent off for a challenge inside the box, leaving United with ten men. Bournemouth made their numerical advantage count when substitute Junior Kroupi converted a penalty, and the final stages saw United hang on under intense pressure. The point keeps United’s Champions League hopes alive, though the performance raised questions about discipline and control.
At the Amex Stadium, veteran forward Danny Welbeck was Brighton’s match-winner, scoring twice in a composed display. Liverpool replied through Milos Kerkez, who capitalised on a defensive lapse to level the game briefly, but Welbeck’s second-half finish secured the win for the hosts after a VAR review. The result extends a worrying run for Liverpool — one point from their last three league games has seen them slip to fifth and increased scrutiny on manager Arne Slot. Slot admitted after the match, “They were the better team.” Injuries to key players, including Mohamed Salah and Alisson Becker, and fitness issues for new signing Alexander Isak were cited as factors in Liverpool’s inconsistent form.
Fulham overturned a slow start at Craven Cottage to beat relegation-threatened Burnley 3-1. After a goalless first half, Burnley took the lead through Zian Flemming from a low delivery, but Josh King quickly restored parity by reacting first in the box. Harry Wilson then put Fulham ahead with a powerful left-footed strike that left the goalkeeper with little chance. The win strengthens Fulham’s position in the table and deepens Burnley’s relegation concerns.
Saturday’s results carried significance for the title chase and the battle for European places and survival. United’s resilience under pressure salvaged a valuable point, Brighton’s home win compounded Liverpool’s recent woes, and Fulham’s comeback offered vital momentum as the season heads into its decisive phase. (Agencies)
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2026/03/22/united-rescue-point-liverpool-lose-ground-in-top-four-race/
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Publish Date: 2026-03-22 08:27:00
