Aston Villa suffered a 1-0 home defeat to Everton on Sunday, January 18, missing the chance to rise to second place in the Premier League. Thierno Barry scored in the 57th minute after Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez made an error, handing Everton the decisive goal. The result ended Villa’s 11-match winning streak at Villa Park and left Unai Emery’s side behind Arsenal and Manchester City in the table.

Newcastle United could not take advantage of the weekend either, as they were held to a 0-0 draw at Wolverhampton. The Magpies created opportunities throughout the match but failed to convert, while Wolves extended their positive run under coach Rob Edwards to four matches, collecting three draws and a win.

Top Premier League teams keep pressure on rivals

Manchester United opened the weekend with a 2-0 victory over Manchester City in the Manchester derby, giving interim coach Michael Carrick a winning start. Arsenal maintained their strong position at the top of the table, extending their lead over Manchester City to seven points, despite a resilient defensive display from Nottingham Forest that forced a draw.

Chelsea recorded a 2-0 win over Brentford with goals from Joao Pedro and Enzo Fernandez. Liverpool’s Florian Wirtz scored, but Burnley goalkeeper Martin Dubravka denied additional goals, while Marcus Edwards struck for Burnley to earn a point on the road.

Late drama and returns to form shake up the league

Sunderland returned to winning ways with a 2-1 home triumph over Crystal Palace, with Enzo Le Fee and Brian Brobby finding the net. Leeds United claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over Fulham thanks to a stoppage-time strike from Lukas Nmecha.

West Ham scored a dramatic late winner in the 93rd minute as Callum Wilson’s goal secured a 2-1 victory over Tottenham, boosting the Hammers’ hopes of Premier League survival and putting additional pressure on Spurs coach Thomas Frank. [Xinhua]