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Manchester City benefited from a thrilling 2-2 Premier League tie between Chelsea and Liverpool on Sunday (January 2), while Leeds United moved eight points clear of the relegation zone with a 3-1 win against Burnley. Brighton & Hove Albion put more pressure on Everton manager Rafael Benitez with a 3-2 victory at Goodison Park, while Brentford continued their excellent debut Premier League season with a 2-1 win against visiting Aston Villa.
City’s last-gasp 2-1 triumph at Arsenal on New Year’s Day had put them 11 points clear of Chelsea in second position and 12 points ahead of third-placed Liverpool before their match at Stamford Bridge. Despite the presence of Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp, goalkeeper Alisson, and Roberto Firmino,
When rushing into a 2-0 lead, the Reds appeared set to cut the gap on City to nine points after Firmino and Joel Matip all tested positive for COVID-19.
Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku was left out of their matchday squad after an interview in which he was critical of coach Thomas Tuchel’s tactics, and Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah put Liverpool in command before 26 minutes.
Chelsea drew level before halftime thanks to a magnificent shot from Mateo Kovacic and a powerful finish from Christian Pulisic, with both sides having chances to win a tense match. The two title contenders had to settle for a draw, but City were the actual winners, as they remain 10 points clear. City, on the other hand, are the genuine winners, with a 10-point lead and a strong chance of retaining their Premier League title.
“There’s a massive margin (at the top),” Virgil van Dijk, a Liverpool defender, told Sky Sports. “They (City) may be on the verge of losing the title, but anything can happen at any time.” Anything is possible because we’ve been there and given it away. We concentrate on ourselves; all we have to do now is produce results, play good football, and win games.”
Here are the important moments from Liverpool’s encounter against Chelsea…
The important moments from our 2-2 tie at Stamford Bridge with Chelsea pic.twitter.com/Snd5LOUHQg
Leeds’ first league win in five games came at a crucial time, with the Yorkshire club’s morale low after conceding 14 goals in three straight league defeats before Burnley’s visit. Leeds hadn’t played since December 18 owing to COVID-19 postponements, and the extra time off allowed them to get several key players back from injuries.
The hosts dominated the first half and led 1-0 at halftime thanks to a goal from Jack Harrison, but Burnley substitute Maxwell Cornet equalized nine minutes into the second half. Stuart Dallas scored his first goal of the season 13 minutes from time, while Daniel James’ second goal since joining Manchester United in the close season ensured victory. Burnley has been relegated to the bottom three as a result of the vital win.
Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa remarked, “I don’t ignore the scenario we’re in.” “You have to prove yourself every week.” Even if today’s performance was an improvement, we must maintain it against any opponent. Today, we demonstrated a high level of devotion.”
Since returning to Merseyside to succeed Carlo Ancelotti in June, things have not gone according to plan for Everton manager Rafa Benitez, with Brighton adding insult to injury on Sunday. Brighton won at Goodison Park thanks to two goals from Alexis Mac Allister on either side of a Dan Burn strike, continuing their great season as they ascended to eighth place with 27 points from 19 games.
Everton is now in 15th place, having collected 19 points from a possible 18 — their lowest point total since 2005-06. Brentford gave their survival chances a boost with a late strike from Danish defender Mads Roerslev, who scored his first goal for the club.
Brentford moved up to 12th place with 23 points from 19 games, one point, and a place ahead of Villa.
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