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PL roundup: Liverpool held by West Brom as Leeds edge past Burnley

PL roundup: Liverpool held by West Brom as Leeds edge past Burnley
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The champions led through Sadio Mane's early goal.

Semi Ajayi struck late to deny Premier League champions Liverpool victory and extend West Brom boss Sam Allardyce's unbeaten run at Anfield.

Ajayi headed home an 82nd-minute equaliser to claim a 1-1 draw at Anfield to make it four league games without defeat on the red half of Merseyside for Allardyce with Sunderland, Crystal Palace and Everton as well as the Baggies.

The Reds, who would have gone five points clear of the Toffees at the top with victory, took just 12 minutes to force their way in front when Sadio Mane controlled Joel Matip's pass on his chest before volleying past keeper Sam Johnstone.

However despite the early setback, the Baggies defended stubbornly thereafter and having adopted a slightly more progressive approach after the restart, got their reward with eight minutes remaining when Ajayi climbed high above Fabinho to power home the equaliser off the inside of the post.

They still needed a fine late save by Johnstone to deny Roberto Firmino, but held firm to claim a hugely creditable point.

Tomas Soucek snatched a second win in 13 league games from Brighton's grasp as West Ham twice came from behind to claim a 2-2 draw.

Neal Maupay had given the visitors a deserved lead a minute before the break at the London Stadium, but Ben Johnson's first senior goal for the Hammers levelled it up on the hour.

Defender Lewis Dunk got the benefit of a debatable call after a lengthy VAR check when he stabbed Brighton back in front after the ball had appeared to clip his arm as he challenged at the near post with 20 remaining, but Soucek ensured the spoils were shared when he bundled the ball home eight minutes from time.

Patrick Bamford's 10th league goal of the season handed Leeds a hard-fought, but controversial 1-0 victory over Burnley at Elland Road.

Burnley keeper Nick Pope concedes a penalty for a challenge on Leeds striker Patrick Bamford
Burnley keeper Nick Pope concedes a penalty for a challenge on Leeds striker Patrick Bamford (Nigel French/PA)

The striker converted a fifth-minute penalty after being felled by keeper Nick Pope, but the home side were themselves fortunate not to concede a spot-kick when Pope's opposite number Illan Meslier clattered into Ben Mee.

Ashley Barnes smashed the loose ball into the net, but referee Robert Jones had already blown for a foul, to the visitors' astonishment penalising the defender to double the Clarets' agony.

Burnley enjoyed the better of the second half but ultimately were unable to claw their way back into the game.

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Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool1696137201733
2Manchester UnitedMan Utd1610333324933
3Tottenham HotspurSpurs1685329151429
4Leicester CityLeicester169252920929
5Everton169252620629
6Chelsea1675431181326
7Aston Villa1582529161326
8Manchester CityMan City147522112926
9Southampton167542519626
10West Ham UnitedWest Ham177552421326
11Arsenal177282019123
12Leeds UnitedLeeds177283033-323
13Wolverhampton WanderersWolves176471824-622
14Crystal Palace176472229-722
15Newcastle UnitedNewcastle155461724-719
16Burnley15447920-1116
17Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton172872128-714
18Fulham152581323-1011
19West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom1715111139-288
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd170215829-212

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