Track Tickets
The Premier League title race has been blown wide open. Manchester City's 2-1 victory over Newcastle United means they are now just two points behind Arsenal, who have drawn their last two matches. Meanwhile, Chelsea threw away two points against relegation-threatened Burnley after a late equaliser from Dutch striker Zian Flemming.
Manchester City 2-1 Newcastle United: O'Reilly the hero
Manchester City kept the pressure on Arsenal with a hard-fought victory over Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium.
The hero of the night was 20-year-old Nico O'Reilly, who is enjoying a breakthrough season at City. The English midfielder scored both goals to secure all three points for Pep Guardiola's side.
O'Reilly's emergence has been one of the stories of the season, and his brace against Newcastle demonstrated exactly why Guardiola has placed so much faith in the youngster. His composure in front of goal belied his years as he fired City to within touching distance of the league leaders.
Newcastle pulled one back but couldn't find an equaliser as City held on for a crucial victory. The result means the gap between the top two is now just two points – a remarkable turnaround given Arsenal held a nine-point advantage just three weeks ago.
Title race: Arsenal's lead evaporates
Arsenal's collapse has been dramatic. After seemingly cruising towards their first Premier League title since 2004, the Gunners have drawn consecutive matches against Brentford (1-1) and Wolves (2-2), throwing away leads in both games.
| Pos | Team | P | Pts | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arsenal | 27 | 58 | — |
| 2 | Manchester City | 27 | 56 | -2 |
With 11 matches remaining, the title race is now a straight shootout between the top two. Arsenal and City will also meet in the EFL Cup Final on March 22 before their potential title-deciding clash at the Etihad on April 18.
Chelsea 1-1 Burnley: Flemming header denies Blues
Chelsea were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by relegation-threatened Burnley at Stamford Bridge after a stoppage-time equaliser from Dutch striker Zian Flemming.
The Blues made the perfect start, with João Pedro opening the scoring after just four minutes. It appeared Chelsea were on course for a comfortable victory against the second-bottom side.
However, the match turned in the 72nd minute when Wesley Fofana was sent off for a reckless challenge on James Ward-Prowse. With a man advantage, Burnley pushed for an equaliser and found one deep into stoppage time.
Flemming rose highest to meet Ward-Prowse's corner, heading the ball across goal and into the net in the 93rd minute. It was the 27-year-old Dutchman's sixth Premier League goal of the season, and a vital one for Burnley's survival hopes.
Despite the dramatic equaliser, Burnley remain in deep trouble at the bottom of the table. They sit second-last, eight points adrift of 17th-placed Nottingham Forest with time running out to save their season.
Chelsea stay fourth on 45 points but could be overtaken by Manchester United on Monday if the Red Devils win their match.
Saturday's Results
- Manchester City 2-1 Newcastle United (O'Reilly 34', 67' – TBC)
- Chelsea 1-1 Burnley (João Pedro 4' – Flemming 90+3')
Dutch players in action
- Zian Flemming (Burnley) – Scored equaliser in 93rd minute, 6th PL goal of the season
What's next?
The pressure is firmly on Arsenal now. The Gunners face Tottenham in the North London derby later today, knowing anything less than a victory could see City move even closer – or potentially overtake them if results go against them.
Upcoming key fixtures:
- Today: Tottenham vs Arsenal – North London derby
- Feb 28: Arsenal vs Chelsea
- Mar 22: EFL Cup Final – Arsenal vs Manchester City
- Apr 18: Manchester City vs Arsenal
Premier League standings (top 5)
| Pos | Team | P | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arsenal | 27 | 58 |
| 2 | Manchester City | 27 | 56 |
| 3 | Aston Villa | — | — |
| 4 | Chelsea | 27 | 45 |
| 5 | Manchester United | — | — |
