Manchester City and Liverpool drop points in goalless draws, allowing Arsenal to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table.
MANCHESTER City’s title charge stalled in a 0-0 draw at Sunderland on Thursday, allowing Arsenal to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to four points.
Liverpool were also held to a goalless draw by Leeds United at Anfield, as three of the four New Year’s Day fixtures ended without a goal.
City had won eight consecutive games to close 2025 but failed to break down a depleted Sunderland side at the Stadium of Light.
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The Black Cats were missing six players at the Africa Cup of Nations and injured defender Dan Ballard but preserved their unbeaten home record.
Bernardo Silva had a City goal ruled out for offside after just six minutes, while Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs made key saves to deny Erling Haaland and Josko Gvardiol.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot lamented his team’s lack of “individual special moments” in their draw with Leeds.
The Reds were without Mohamed Salah and Alexander Isak and were nearly beaten by a late Dominic Calvert-Lewin effort that was ruled offside.
A draw extends Leeds’ unbeaten run to six games, moving them seven points clear of the relegation zone.
Tottenham Hotspur also played out a 0-0 draw on Thomas Frank’s return to Brentford, in a match devoid of attacking inspiration.
The stalemate leaves Brentford in ninth and Spurs in 12th place, separated by just one point.
Crystal Palace’s winless run stretched to six games after a 1-1 draw with Fulham at Selhurst Park.
Jean-Philippe Mateta scored his first goal in eight games for Palace, but Fulham captain Tom Cairney’s fine strike earned the visitors a point.
Palace boss Oliver Glasner said his depleted side are now in “survival mode” after the result. – AFP
