Enzo Fernandez cancelled out Tijjani Reijnders’ first half goal as Manchester City drew against Chelsea. At present, the English Premier League now looks like a three horse race with Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa all in the mix.
Manchester United’s struggles have continued after their draw against Leeds. Everton capitulated following a 4-2 loss against Brentford. Newcastle secured a deserved victory against Crystal Palace.
Tottenham dropped points against Sunderland, while Liverpool’s struggles continue following their draw against Fulham.
Leeds 1-1 Manchester United
Manchester United missed out on a chance to move into the top four following a draw against Leeds. Ruben Amorim’s men had to come from behind to secure a hard -fought point at Elland Road.
The first stanza had plenty of action but lacked goals. Fans waited until the 62nd minute as Brenden Aaron so coolly dispatched his effort on goal. Shortly afterwards, Joshua Zirkzee set up Matheus Cunha’s for United’s equalizer. The game could have gone either ways but they had to settle for a draw in what was an epic showdown.
Everton 2-4 Brentford
Igor Thiago scored hat-trick as Brentford ran riot against Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. It was an electric start to the game as Thiago found the back of the net in the 11th minute.
Brentford held on to a slender advantage a half time but took command in the second half as Nathan Collins doubled their lead in the 50th minute. A minute later, Thiago grabbed his second to extend Brentford’s lead.
He would not be denied hat trick as he scored his third of the game to put the game beyond reach. Thierno Barry’s goal in added time was only a mere consolation as Everton’s struggles continue.
Newcastle 2-0 Crystal Palace
Newcastle United began their new year with a resounding victory over Crystal Palace. It was a game that seemed destined for a draw till Bruno Guimaraes broke the deadlock in the 71st minute.
Newcastle doubled their advantage seven minutes later through Malic Thiaw who put the ball in the net after Palace failed to clear their lines. It was a delightful day at the office for Eddie Howe’s men.
Tottenham 1-1 Sunderland
Tottenham’s struggles continue, as Thomas Frank’s men dropped points against Sunderland, who have had a sensational return to the Premier League.
The home side made their intentions known early on but lacked the cutting edge needed to find the opening goal. Their efforts would soon pay dividends as Ben Davies scored in the 30th minute to put the home side in the lead. While they seemed destined to secure all three points, Brian Brobbery scored for Sunderland to ensure the spoils were shared at full time.
Fulham 2-2 Liverpool.
Arne Slot’s men were on the verge of grabbing maximum points, but Fulham responded in the final minutes of the game.
Fulham opened the scoring in the 17th minute courtesy of Harry Wilson’s goal. Flori Writz equalized for Liverpool in the 57th minute to add more heat to the boiling point.
Cody Gakpo certainly felt like he scored the winning goal of the game in additional time, but it was cancelled out as Harry Reed levelled matters at the death.
Not the result the current defending champions would have expected in what has been a catastrophic season.
Manchester City 1-1 Chelsea
The Cityzens were left frustrated as the Blues snatched a draw right at the death.
Manchester City took the lead through Tijjani Reijnders in the second minute. Pep Guardiola’s men controlled the majority of the proceedings but lacked the finishing touch to add on to their lead. They ultimately paid for their missed chances when Enzo Fernandez came up with the definitive response in the 94th minute. The draw could prove costly should Arsenal finally secure their first Premier League trophy in over two decades.
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