Richarlison rescues spurs; United strengthen top-four hopes
KATHMANDU: Tottenham Hotspur secured a crucial point in their fight to remain competitive in the Premier League after drawing 1–1 with Liverpool FC, thanks to a dramatic last-minute equaliser from Richarlison.
Liverpool had taken the lead in the 18th minute when Dominik Szoboszlai curled in a superb free-kick. It marked his fourth free-kick goal of the current Premier League season, setting a new record for a Liverpool player.
Richarlison came close to scoring before halftime with a header that narrowly missed the target, while another attempt was saved by Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker. The Brazilian forward remained a constant threat throughout the match, firing five shots, four of which were on target.
Liverpool also pushed for a second goal, but Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike were unable to convert their chances. Tottenham eventually capitalised in the 90th minute when Richarlison found the net, earning his side a valuable point and giving head coach Igor Tudor his first point in charge.
Among the 92 teams across England’s top four divisions, Tottenham and Sheffield Wednesday remain the only sides yet to register a league victory in 2026.
Manchester United Strengthen Champions League Push
Meanwhile, Manchester United boosted their chances of qualifying for next season’s UEFA Champions League with a 3–1 victory over Aston Villa.
The match remained largely uneventful in the first half before United broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute. Captain Bruno Fernandes delivered a corner that was headed home by Casemiro.
Villa responded in the 64th minute when Ross Barkley, making his first start in 14 months, equalised for the visitors.
United regained control soon after. In the 71st minute, Fernandes set up Matheus Cunha for the go-ahead goal, before substitute Benjamin Šeško sealed the victory with another strike in the 81st minute — his eighth goal in the last 10 matches.
The win lifts United to third place in the league standings with 54 points. It also marks interim manager Michael Carrick’s sixth consecutive home victory.
Fourth-placed Aston Villa, with 51 points, have won just three of their last 12 league matches, leaving their hopes of Champions League qualification increasingly uncertain.
