Manchester City move within two points of Arsenal as Chelsea and Villa stumble in pivotal Premier League clashes late
MANCHESTER City piled the pressure on Premier League leaders Arsenal as Nico O’Reilly’s brace clinched a crucial 2-1 win against Newcastle.
Chelsea’s bid to reach the Champions League was dented by a 1-1 draw against lowly Burnley.
O’Reilly put City ahead in the first half at the Etihad Stadium and restored their lead after Lewis Hall had equalised.
Pep Guardiola’s side held on for a victory that moved them within two points of leaders Arsenal.
The Gunners travel to Tottenham on Sunday, but City control the destiny of the title.
They will have a game in hand on Arsenal after this weekend and host Mikel Arteta’s men in April.
A fifth successive win in all competitions extended City’s unbeaten run to eight games.
“We saw today this is how we need to play. It’s coming to the best part of the season,” Guardiola said.
At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea climbed into the top four only on goal difference.
They paid for failing to build on Joao Pedro’s fourth-minute opener against Burnley.
Chelsea were dominant until Wesley Fofana was sent off with 18 minutes remaining for a second yellow card.
Burnley took full advantage as Zian Flemming headed in from a corner in the 93rd minute.
“It is not enough clean sheets and not enough basic values of defending set-pieces,” said Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior.
Aston Villa’s poor run at Villa Park continued with a 1-1 draw against Leeds.
Anton Stach’s spectacular 40-yard free-kick gave Leeds the advantage before Tammy Abraham snatched a point for Villa two minutes from time.
James Milner set a new record of 654 Premier League appearances in Brighton’s 2-0 win at Brentford.
The 40-year-old started for the Seagulls as they secured a first win in seven games.
“It’s the drive and hunger. You want to be the best every day,” said Milner on the secret to his longevity.
Diego Gomez drilled in the opening goal before Danny Welbeck doubled Brighton’s lead just before half-time.
Third-bottom West Ham missed a chance to boost their survival bid after a dour 0-0 draw with Bournemouth.
The Sun Malaysia
