Manchester City Overcomes Newcastle to Intensify Pressure on Arsenal While Chelsea Draws
Manchester City increased the pressure on Premier League leaders Arsenal with a vital 2-1 victory over Newcastle thanks to a brace from Nico O'Reilly, as Chelsea's push for Champions League qualification suffered a setback in a 1-1 draw with struggling Burnley on Saturday.
O'Reilly opened the scoring for City in the first half at the Etihad Stadium and netted again after Lewis Hall levelled the match.
Pep Guardiola's team did not perform at their peak yet managed to secure the win, bringing them just two points behind the table toppers.
Arsenal face Tottenham on Sunday, but no matter the outcome of that north London clash, City hold the key to the title race.
With a game in hand over Arsenal following this weekend's action, they will welcome Mikel Arteta's squad in April, and eleven straight wins from their last eleven outings would clinch Guardiola's seventh league crown.
Arsenal have faltered lately, managing only two victories in their past seven league fixtures, whereas City are finding form precisely when it matters most.
A fifth win in a row across all competitions stretched their unbeaten streak to eight matches.
"Today showed us the level we must maintain. The crucial phase of the season is approaching, and every match will feel like this one," Guardiola commented.
"Points wise it counts a lot, yet we must keep improving to stay in the fight until the finale. We have earned a well-deserved three day break now, followed by the next challenge against Leeds."
At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea edged into fourth place solely on goal difference after squandering Joao Pedro's early fourth-minute lead.
The Blues controlled proceedings until Wesley Fofana received a second yellow card and was dismissed with 18 minutes left.
Burnley capitalised fully when Zian Flemming nodded home from a corner in the 93rd minute, aiding their desperate survival effort.
"Clean sheets are lacking, and fundamental defensive basics on set pieces need work. That is an issue I must tackle," Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior stated.
"Certain players on the field had specific roles they failed to fulfil. That lapse is why we dropped those two points."
The Clarets remain eight points adrift of safety in their tough relegation scrap.
Milner Sets Appearance Record
Villa had stayed competitive with Arsenal and Manchester City in the title chase until lately, but a 1-1 stalemate extended their slump at Villa Park.
Anton Stach's stunning free-kick from over 40 yards at a tight angle deceived Emi Martinez at his near post, putting Leeds ahead.
Daniel Farke's side have dropped points in just two of their last 14 league encounters, easing concerns of a relegation tussle.
Tammy Abraham however rescued a share of the spoils for Villa right at the death, two minutes from full time.
Five Premier League teams look poised to earn spots in next season's Champions League, boosted by the impressive showings of English clubs in Europe this year.
Liverpool and Manchester United can narrow the gap when they take on Nottingham Forest and Everton shortly.
James Milner established a fresh benchmark of 654 Premier League outings during Brighton's 2-0 triumph over Brentford.
The 40-year-old featured from the start for the Seagulls, helping them claim a first victory in seven attempts and lighten the load on head coach Fabian Hurzeler.
"It's all about the motivation and desire. You aim to excel daily, be it in matches or sessions," Milner shared on maintaining his career.
Diego Gomez rifled in the initial goal for the away team after Ferdi Kadioglu's brilliant effort struck the crossbar.
Danny Welbeck capitalised on loose Brentford play to make it 2-0 for Brighton moments before the interval.
Third from the bottom West Ham squandered an opportunity to aid their relegation fight in a tedious 0-0 deadlock with Bournemouth at the London Stadium.
The Hammers trail fourth-bottom Forest by two points, with the latter entertaining Liverpool on Sunday.