Arsenal were handed a major opening in the Premier League title race on Thursday, Jan. 8, after both Manchester City and Aston Villa failed to secure victories the night before. The results left the leaders with a chance to strengthen their position as pressure mounted on their closest challengers.

Manchester City were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Brighton on Wednesday, Jan. 7, after producing a subdued display. Pep Guardiola’s side struggled to impose themselves as Brighton grew into the contest after halftime.

City eventually found a breakthrough late in the first half when Diego Gomez fouled Jeremy Doku in the box, allowing Erling Haaland to score from the penalty spot. Brighton responded on the hour through Kaoru Mitoma, whose low finish across goal denied City two valuable points.

Aston Villa were also frustrated on Wednesday, Jan. 7, playing out a goalless draw away to Crystal Palace. Despite controlling possession for long stretches, Villa were limited to few clear chances by a disciplined Palace back line.

Brentford climb, Chelsea falter

Brentford moved up to fifth place on Wednesday, Jan. 7, with a convincing 3-0 home win over Sunderland led by Igor Thiago. The forward scored twice as the hosts took control after surviving a rare scare from the penalty spot.

Thiago’s second goal came moments after Enzo Le Fee attempted a Panenka-style penalty that was calmly caught by goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher. Yehor Yarmolyuk added a late third to complete a dominant night for Keith Andrews’ side.

Chelsea’s difficult run continued on Wednesday, Jan. 7, with a 2-1 defeat away to Fulham in a heated London derby. The visitors were reduced to 10 men early after Marc Cucurella was sent off in the 22nd minute for pulling back Harry Wilson when through on goal.

Fulham capitalized after the break as Raul Jimenez and Wilson scored to overturn the match. The result deepened Chelsea’s struggles as frustrations mounted on and off the pitch.

Late drama defines the night

Tottenham suffered stoppage-time heartbreak on Wednesday, Jan. 7, as Bournemouth claimed a dramatic 97th-minute winner at home. Spurs struck early through Mathys Tel before Evanilson and Junior Kroupi turned the match around for the hosts.

Tottenham responded after the break and drew level through Joao Palhinha, but Antoine Semenyo struck from the edge of the area deep into stoppage time. The goal capped a chaotic finish and could mark Semenyo’s final appearance for Bournemouth.

Everton finished with nine men in a 1-1 home draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday, Jan. 7. Michael Keane gave Everton the lead before Mateus Mane equalized, with Keane and Jack Grealish both dismissed late.

Manchester United’s first match under interim head coach Darren Fletcher ended in disappointment on Wednesday, Jan. 7, with a 2-2 draw away to Burnley. Despite two goals from Benjamin Sesko, United have now dropped points against every team in the relegation zone.

Newcastle United produced one of the games of the season on Wednesday, Jan. 7, coming from behind three times before Harvey Barnes scored a winner in the 12th minute of injury time. The 4-3 victory capped a wild contest filled with penalties, momentum swings, and late drama. [Xinhua]