Weekend Review: Premier League derby drama as All Blacks set Springboks Rugby World Cup Final

The sporting world was alive last weekend as fans were treated to a great spectacle from start to finish. 

Club football returned in Europe after two weeks of international break while the Rugby World Cup semi-final took centre stage in France. 

Meanwhile, Max Verstappen continued his dominance on the Formula 1 circuit after winning the United States Grand Prix. 

In our usual tradition, we look at some of the greatest actions from last weekend in the world of sports. 

Liverpool maintain dominance over Everton under Klopp 

Liverpool once again showed that they are so far ahead of Everton after they defeated the Toffees 2-0 on Saturday. 

Going into the clash, Liverpool had only lost once to Everton since Jurgen Klopp took over in 2015. It stayed that way on Saturday as two goals from Mohamed Salah ensured Liverpool took the three points in the first Merseyside derby of the season. 

It was not smooth sailing for the Reds, though, despite Ashley Young’s dismissal just before half-time. 

However, Salah who enjoys playing against Everton, came up clutch in the second half to help Liverpool to a comfortable win. The win keeps Liverpool in pace with the rest of their title rivals. 

Chelsea blow a two-goal lead 

The Merseyside derby was not the only big clash in the Premier League on Saturday as Chelsea also hosted Arsenal in a big London derby. 

Arsenal put their unbeaten start to the league on the line while Chelsea were looking to make it three wins in a row. 

The Blues did start well as Cole Palmer put them ahead from the spot after William Saliba was adjudged to have handled in the box. 

Pochettino’s men then doubled their lead in the second half, courtesy of a miscued cross from Mykhailo Mudry, which left David Raya stranded. 

At that point, it looked like Chelsea would end Arsenal’s unbeaten run and pick up their third straight win. 

However, a moment of madness from Robert Sanchez allowed Declan Rice to pull one back from distance for Arsenal. 

That goal proved to be the catalyst Arsenal needed as Leandro Trossard came off the bench to score and secure an unlikely point for Arteta’s men. 

Springboks set All Blacks showdown in Rugby World Cup final

South Africa’s rugby team will get the chance to defend their World Cup trophy after they defeated England in the semi-final to set up a final showdown with fellow juggernauts New Zealand. 

The Springboks have never lost a final, and are looking to become only the second side to win back-to-back titles. The All Blacks have already set one record – this is their fifth final appearance. However, their only defeat at this stage was in 1995, against South Africa.

South Africa were second-best for most parts of their match against England, with the Springboks trailing 6-15 at halftime. 

But things changed in the 69th minute of the match, with a try by replacement lock RG Snyman, who powered over on what was only the Springboks' second visit to the England 22 of the second half.

Then in the dying minutes of the game, props Ox Nche and Vincent Koch produced a huge, desperate heave to win a penalty for South Africa.

This set up Pollard, for the game-winning extraordinary kick from halfway across the field with under two minutes of the match left.

Meanwhile, New Zealand are one victory away from a history-making fourth title. The 44-6 rout of Argentina in the semifinals on Friday sent the All Blacks into a record fifth final. 

The All Blacks showed off their ruthlessness by building attacks and battering the Pumas to the point of tapping out. They led 39-6 going into the last quarter when they added only a hat trick try for Jordan.

Although New Zealand will fancy their chances against South Africa, they lost to the Boks 35-7 just before the tournament kicked off in France.