Aston Villa defeated champions Manchester City on Wednesday, extending their incredible home winning streak, while Liverpool moved within two points of leaders Arsenal with a win at Sheffield United.
In other results, Manchester United defeated Chelsea 2-1, and Fulham thrashed Nottingham Forest 5-0, increasing pressure on manager Steve Cooper.
Scott McTominay of Manchester United celebrates after the game against Chelsea. REUTERS PHOTOGRAPHY
Villa, who have now won 14 consecutive league games at Villa Park, scored the game’s sole goal in the 74th minute when Leon Bailey’s drive deflected off Ruben Dias.
The victory, which moves Unai Emery’s team into third place, equals a club record for straight home triumphs in league competition, which was previously set in 1903 and 1931.
“We have to be excited, but we also have to maintain balance,” Emery told Amazon Prime. “For the time being, we must concentrate on Arsenal on Saturday.” I want us to be a balanced team with a winning mentality.
“We are mindful of our position at the table. But we’ll face stiff competition from Manchester City, Manchester United, and Tottenham.”
Pep Guardiola’s erratic squad, vying for a record fourth successive Premier League title, is currently winless in four games and six points behind Arsenal.
With Rodri banned, last year’s treble champions have now won only three league games in their last nine.
They are unbeaten in their last 43 games in which the Spain midfielder has appeared, but their four defeats in all competitions this season have all occurred while he has been suspended.
City must find a way to win without their talisman, according to Guardiola.
“Over the years, we’ve found a way to win games, but we’ve struggled a little, and we need to find a way.” “It is my responsibility to find a solution,” he told the BBC. “Winning games changes the dynamic. When a team improves, it must be acknowledged.”
Liverpool is foreboding. Dominik Szoboszlai of Liverpool celebrates with Virgil van Dijk after scoring the second goal against Sheffield United. REUTERS PHOTOGRAPHY
Liverpool, who are becoming increasingly threatening, defeated Sheffield United 2-0.
Virgil van Dijk opened the score in the 37th minute at Bramall Lane, heading in a Trent Alexander-Arnold corner from close to the penalty spot.
The visitors dominated possession but were unable to get through again until midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai secured the points in additional time.
Jurgen Klopp’s club now has 34 points, just two behind Arsenal, who defeated Luton Town 4-3 on Tuesday.
The Liverpool manager praised his team’s “very mature and resilient performance” against a team managed by Chris Wilder, who returned to the club on Tuesday following the resignation of Paul Heckingbottom.
Manchester United earned a valuable three points despite a rare penalty miss by Bruno Fernandes in the first half.
Cole Palmer of Chelsea completed an amazing team move on the stroke of halftime to cancel out McTominay’s opening.
But, with approximately 20 minutes remaining, the Scotland international headed home Alejandro Garnacho’s cross for his second goal, lifting United to sixth place in the table, just three points behind City.
Erik ten Hag, who dropped out-of-form Marcus Rashford, dismissed allegations of dressing room strife, saying he didn’t care “about the noise.”
“When you are not in top form on the day, you get beaten,” he told the BBC. “You must perform at your peak. You are killed if you are not. We are aware of this, and we must have the proper mindset at all times.”
Nottingham Forest, in their second season back in the Premier League, were defeated for the fourth time in a row against Fulham.
Alex Iwobi and Raul Jimenez each scored two goals, while Tom Cairney sealed the misery in the closing minutes.
Brighton defeated Brentford 2-1 at home, thanks to goals from Pascal Gross and Jack Hinshelwood, while Bournemouth won their third game in a row, defeating Crystal Palace 2-0.