MANCHESTER, UK, December 5 —Manchester City dropped crucial points in the Premier League title race with a home draw against Chelsea on Sunday, as fellow challengers Liverpool and Manchester United also stumbled with draws of their own.
What happened in the Premier League title race?
Arsenal ended a packed festive schedule with a six-point cushion at the top after Manchester City were held to a 1-1 draw by Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium. The result leaves City second with 42 points, alongside Aston Villa, while Arsenal sit on 48 points after 20 games.
“It’s frustrating of course but at the end it is what it is,” said City midfielder Rodri. “We created enough chances to win the game three or four nil, but this is football.” City have now drawn back-to-back games against Sunderland and Chelsea after a six-match winning run.
How did Liverpool and Manchester United fare?
The theme of dropped points extended to other contenders. Liverpool drew 2-2 at Fulham after conceding a stunning 97th-minute equalizer to Harrison Reed, despite a stoppage-time goal from Cody Gakpo.
“Unfortunately I’m experiencing this for months now,” said Liverpool manager Arne Slot of his team’s habit of conceding late goals. The draw leaves the reigning champions fourth with 34 points.
Manchester United also drew 1-1 at Leeds United, relying on a Matheus Cunha goal to secure a point. Manager Ruben Amorim expressed frustration, stating, “I just want to say that I came here to be the manager of Manchester United, not to be the coach… I will do mine for 18 months and then we move on.”
Who were the weekend’s other performers?
Brentford’s Igor Thiago ended his goal drought with a hat-trick in a 4-2 win at Everton, moving his side to seventh.
- Tottenham Hotspur’s poor home form continued with a 1-1 draw against Sunderland.
- Newcastle United beat Crystal Palace 2-0 to move into the top half of the table.
The league resumes with a full midweek schedule, highlighted by Arsenal hosting Liverpool on Thursday.
FAQs
Q: What is Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League?
A: Arsenal now lead by six points, with 48 points from 20 games. Manchester City and Aston Villa are tied for second with 42 points each.
Q: Why is Liverpool’s late concession a concern?
A: Liverpool have repeatedly dropped points from winning or level positions late in games this season, a trend that is damaging their top-four chances and effectively ending their title defense.
Q: What did Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim say after the draw?
A: Amorim pointedly stated he was hired to be the “manager” with broader responsibilities, not just the “coach,” and suggested he would reevaluate his position after 18 months if the club’s structure did not meet his expectations.
Q: Who scored a hat-trick this weekend?
A: Brentford striker Igor Thiago scored his first hat-trick of the season in a 4-2 away win at Everton, taking his league tally to 14 goals.
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