The Premier League laments Bobby Charlton's passing. Wins for Man City and Liverpool Put Them Back on Track

With Premier League victories, Manchester City and Liverpool got back on track on a day when English soccer was in mourning over the death of Bobby Charlton.

A busy day as the Premier League resumed play following the international break was marred by the announcement of Charlton’s death at the halftime break of Saturday’s five afternoon games. Charlton was the 1966 World Cup winner and arguably the finest player to represent England.

Both Chelsea’s home match versus Arsenal and Man United’s intense evening kickoff against Sheffield United were set to feature a tribute to Charlton.

After two straight poor performances, City and Liverpool rebounded with easy victories to rekindle their title rivalry, which appears to be enduring well into the season.

In the early kickoff, Liverpool defeated crosstown rival Everton 2-0 in the Merseyside Derby. Later, City defeated Brighton 2-1 to snap a two-game league losing skid.

After losses to Wolverhampton and Arsenal, City have dropped two straight league games for the first time since 2018. However, a third defeat against a Brighton squad that has appeared to be a serious contender for a top-four berth this season never seemed likely.

Erling Haaland ended a two-game league goal drought for City with his goal in the first 20 minutes, following goals from Julian Alvarez and Haaland. Since joining City last season, he has never gone three games without a goal in the Premier League.

Brighton’s Ansu Fati pulled one back in the 73rd minute, but even after Manuel Akanji of City was sent out in stoppage time for a second booking, the visitors were unable to level.

On a day where many players received red cards, Liverpool needed two goals from Mohamed Salah in the closing minutes to defeat 10-man Everton. This victory came after the team won a few decisions made by the referee.

Following what looked to be a soft yellow card in the 18th minute and another caution in the 37th for another foul on Liverpool winger Luis Diaz, Ashley Young was sent off.

Following his deft stop of Everton attacker Beto, Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool escaped a second yellow card—a move that manager Jurgen Klopp said may have resulted in yet another red card.

In the 75th minute, Diaz’s pass struck the outstretched right arm of replacement Michael Keane in the box, winning Liverpool a penalty as well.

Liverpool had just played two games, losing one and drawing the other. The loss at Tottenham was caused by VAR officials’ inability to give Liverpool credit for a goal that was mistakenly given away for offside.

Newcastle defeated Crystal Palace 4-0 to climb up to fifth position, ahead of Brighton; Wolves and Brentford also triumphed. Wolves won 2-1 away at Bournemouth, while Brentford defeated Burnley 3-0 at home, with the visitors being reduced to 10 men in the 78th minute. Lewis Cook of Bournemouth was shown a straight red card in the 54th minute of that match, with the score tied at one.

After Chris Wood had given Luton a two-goal lead in the 83rd minute, Luton rallied to draw 2-2 at Nottingham Forest.

With nine games played, City has one more point than Liverpool with 21. With victories, Arsenal and Tottenham may potentially move above them. On Monday, Tottenham takes on Fulham.