Manchester City grinded out a 2-1 win over Newcastle United in front of their Etihad fans, with Nico O’Reilly’s double in the opening 45 minutes proving decisive. No further goals came after the break, but City’s backline was unyielding, denying Newcastle any path to parity.
The match featured a landmark moment: O’Reilly’s opener as City’s 500th home Premier League goal since 2016-17, capping a home winning run against Newcastle now at 17 unbeaten. Such records highlight why City remain perennial contenders.
Elsewhere, Aston Villa could only muster a 1-1 home draw against Leeds, Stach’s free-kick magic undone by Abraham’s late strike, potentially torpedoing Villa’s faint title charge.
Chelsea let a golden opportunity slip in a 2-1 draw with Burnley—wait, 1-1—after Pedro’s quickfire goal and Fofana’s red card invited Fleming’s injury-time equalizer via Ward-Prowse’s pinpoint delivery, hampering their Champions League push.
James Milner’s record-breaking 654th PL outing powered Brighton to a 2-0 defeat of Brentford, Gomez and Welbeck on target early. West Ham’s scoreless tie with Bournemouth keeps them rooted in the drop zone, points shared but problems mounting.