Manchester Metropolis’s Nico O’Reilly (C) scored twice within the win over Newcastle. Picture: AFP
LONDON:
Manchester Metropolis piled strain on Premier League leaders Arsenal as Nico O’Reilly’s brace clinched a vital 2-1 win towards Newcastle, whereas Chelsea’s bid to succeed in the Champions League was dented by a 1-1 draw towards lowly Burnley on Saturday.
O’Reilly put Metropolis forward within the first half on the Etihad Stadium and restored their lead after Lewis Corridor had equalised.
Pep Guardiola’s facet weren’t at their finest however they held on for a victory that moved them inside two factors of leaders Arsenal.
The Gunners journey to Tottenham on Sunday, however whatever the end result within the north London derby, Metropolis management the future of the title.
They may have a recreation in hand on Arsenal after this weekend and host Mikel Arteta’s males in April, with 11 wins from their final 11 matches assured to safe the seventh title of Guardiola’s reign.
Whereas Arsenal have spluttered with two wins from their final seven league video games, Metropolis are heating up at simply the best time.
A fifth successive win in all competitions prolonged their unbeaten run to eight video games.
“We noticed immediately that is how we have to play. It is coming to one of the best a part of the season. Each single recreation shall be much like immediately,” Guardiola mentioned.
“In fact by way of factors it is essential, however we have now to enhance to have the possibility to compete till the top. Now we deserve three extra days off. Then one other battle in Leeds.”
At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea climbed into the highest 4 solely on aim distinction after they paid for failing to construct on Joao Pedro’s fourth-minute opener.
Chelsea had been dominant till Wesley Fofana was despatched off with 18 minutes remaining for a second yellow card.
Burnley took full benefit as Zian Flemming headed in from a nook within the 93rd minute to spice up their battle to beat the drop.
“It’s not sufficient clear sheets and never sufficient fundamental values of defending set-pieces. That’s one thing I’ve to deal with,” mentioned Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior.
“There have been gamers on the pitch who had been assigned to do their job and who did not do their job. That’s what value us the 2 factors.”
The Clarets are nonetheless eight factors from security of their daunting struggle for survival.
Milner units look document
Villa defied the chances to maintain tempo with Arsenal and Manchester Metropolis within the title race till latest weeks, however a 1-1 draw continued their poor run at Villa Park.
Anton Stach’s spectacular free-kick from totally 40 yards at an angle caught out Emi Martinez at his close to publish to present Leeds the benefit.
Daniel Farke’s males have misplaced simply twice of their final 14 league video games to alleviate their fears of being dragged right into a battle for security.
However Tammy Abraham then snatched some extent for Villa two minutes from time.
5 Premier League sides are set to qualify for subsequent season’s Champions League due to the robust efficiency of English sides in European competitors this season.
Liverpool and Manchester United have the possibility to shut in once they face Nottingham Forest and Everton within the coming days.
James Milner set a brand new document of 654 Premier League appearances in Brighton’s 2-0 win at Brentford.
The 40-year-old began for the Seagulls as they secured a primary win in seven video games to ease the strain on boss Fabian Hurzeler.
“It is the drive and starvation. You need to be one of the best on daily basis whether or not it is recreation or coaching,” mentioned Milner on the key to his longevity.
Diego Gomez drilled within the opening aim for the guests after Ferdi Kadioglu’s beautiful strike got here again off the bar.
Danny Welbeck then pounced on some slack Brentford defending to double Brighton’s lead simply earlier than half-time.
Third-bottom West Ham missed an opportunity to spice up their survival bid after a dour 0-0 draw with Bournemouth on the London Stadium.
The Hammers are two factors behind fourth-bottom Forest, who host Liverpool on Sunday.
