Manchester City’s grip on the Premier League title race loosened on Sunday as a 1-1 draw with Chelsea at the Etihad left Pep Guardiola’s side six points behind leaders Arsenal. Across the league, late goals defined the day: Liverpool and Fulham traded stoppage-time strikes in a 2-2 thriller, while Tottenham Hotspur were pegged back at home by Sunderland. Brentford surged with a statement win at Everton, and Newcastle United finished strong to see off Crystal Palace.
- Manchester City 1-1 Chelsea
- Fulham 2-2 Liverpool
- Leeds United 1-1 Manchester United
- Everton 2-4 Brentford
- Newcastle United 2-0 Crystal Palace
- Tottenham Hotspur 1-1 Sunderland
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At the Etihad, Chelsea—reshuffled after the departure of coach Enzo Maresca—produced a disciplined, stubborn display and found their reward at the death. City, who fashioned few clear chances, moved in front when Tijjani Reijnders struck in the 42nd minute. The champions pressed for a cushion but never found their second. Chelsea grew bolder as the clock ticked past 90, and Enzo Fernández pounced in the 94th minute with a close-range finish to level, quieting the home crowd and reshaping the top of the table.
The draw leaves City looking up at Arsenal with a six-point gap and little margin for error, while Chelsea took confidence and a point from a well-organized, late-surge performance that blunted the champions’ attack when it mattered most.
At Craven Cottage, Liverpool were dragged into another wild finish and had to settle for 2-2. Former Liverpool winger Harry Wilson struck first for Fulham in the 17th minute, guiding a cool finish to put the hosts ahead. Florian Wirtz equalized for Liverpool 12 minutes into the second half, rewarding a brighter Reds spell after the break. Cody Gakpo appeared to have completed the comeback with a 94th-minute strike, only for Liverpool’s defense to falter again. Harrison Reed hammered home three minutes later to salvage a point for Fulham and leave Liverpool ruing another late concession.
Leeds United and Manchester United delivered an intense 1-1 draw at Elland Road, a match that swung on two quickfire moments just after the hour. Brenden Aaronson swept Leeds in front with a left-footed strike in the 62nd minute as the visitors were caught out. Matheus Cunha, bright throughout, answered three minutes later to make it 1-1, then nearly won it when he clipped the outside of the post soon after. The contest simmered to the end, Leeds feeding off the home crowd and United threatening on the counter but unable to find a decisive touch.
Brentford continue their climb with a 4-2 win at Everton that showcased clinical finishing and calm under pressure. Igor Thiago powered the Bees with a hat trick, and Nathan Collins added another as Brentford punished defensive lapses and transition spaces. Beto pulled one back for Everton to give Goodison Park brief hope, and Thierno Barry netted in stoppage time, but Brentford’s attacking edge was the difference.
At St James’ Park, Newcastle United took full advantage of Crystal Palace’s fatigue in the closing stages, striking twice to win 2-0. Bruno Guimarães broke the deadlock with 20 minutes left, seizing on a loose ball to fire home. Malick Thiaw doubled the lead late on, sealing the points as Eddie Howe’s side finished with authority. Palace’s organization held for long stretches, but once Newcastle found a way through, the visitors faded.
Tottenham Hotspur were held 1-1 by Sunderland in North London, a result that will sting for a home side chasing momentum. Ben Davies put Spurs ahead on the half-hour with a composed finish, but Tottenham spurned opportunities to stretch the lead. Sunderland, compact and patient, stayed in the match and were rewarded when Brian Brobbey struck in the 80th minute to level. Spurs pushed late but could not find a winner as the visitors earned a hard-fought point.
Beyond the individual storylines, Sunday underscored two defining themes of this Premier League season: razor-thin margins at the top and the growing influence of late goals. City’s inability to close out Chelsea reshaped the title picture, while Liverpool’s defensive lapses in stoppage time again proved costly. Brentford’s upward tilt continued with precision and punch in the final third, and Newcastle showed the value of a strong finish to grind out points when the game opens up late.
What it means: City now trail Arsenal by six after being forced into stalemate at home; Liverpool’s momentum is checked by a late sting; Brentford’s surge gathers pace; and Tottenham and Manchester United both dropped points as the race for places tightens behind the leaders. With the calendar deep into winter and fixtures stacking up, Sunday’s late drama offered a reminder that in this league, the margins are measured in minutes—and sometimes in seconds.
By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
