Chelsea and Aston Villa’s top-four hopes were dented by late equalisers, while Brighton ended their winless run as the Premier League race intensifies
CHELSEA and Aston Villa suffered significant blows to their Champions League qualification hopes after conceding stoppage-time equalisers in the Premier League.
The Blues were held to a 1-1 draw by Burnley at Stamford Bridge despite taking an early lead through Joao Pedro.
Chelsea’s dominance was undone after Wesley Fofana received a second yellow card with 18 minutes remaining.
Burnley capitalised on their numerical advantage as Zian Flemming headed in a 93rd-minute corner to snatch a point.
The result leaves Chelsea in fourth place only on goal difference.
Aston Villa also conceded late in a 1-1 draw with Leeds United at Villa Park, continuing their poor recent home form.
Leeds took a surprise lead through Anton Stach’s spectacular 40-yard free-kick that beat goalkeeper Emi Martinez.
Villa salvaged a point when Tammy Abraham scored just two minutes from the final whistle.
The draw further dents Villa’s unlikely title challenge, which had kept pace with Arsenal and Manchester City until recent weeks.
Five Premier League sides are set to qualify for next season’s Champions League due to strong English performances in Europe.
Liverpool and Manchester United have the chance to close the gap when they face Nottingham Forest and Everton in coming days.
In other action, Brighton ended a seven-game winless run with a 2-0 victory at Brentford.
The Seagulls’ win eased pressure on manager Fabian Hurzeler, with goals from Diego Gomez and Danny Welbeck securing the points.
James Milner set a new Premier League appearance record of 654 games by starting for Brighton.
Manchester City can close to within two points of leaders Arsenal when they host Newcastle later on Saturday.
Arsenal have stumbled recently with draws against Brentford and Wolves, reigniting City’s title challenge.
The Gunners face a crucial north London derby away to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
The Sun Malaysia
