Chelsea’s pursuit of a place in next season’s Champions League suffered a setback after they were forced to settle for a 1-1 stalemate against Burnley at Stamford Bridge, while Aston Villa also required a dramatic late goal to earn a draw against Leeds United on Saturday.
The Blues moved into the Premier League’s top four, but only on goal difference, after failing to capitalise on an early breakthrough from Joao Pedro, who found the net in the fourth minute.
Chelsea controlled much of the contest and appeared comfortable until the momentum shifted late in the game. With 18 minutes remaining, Wesley Fofana was dismissed after receiving a second yellow card, reducing the hosts to ten men and giving Burnley renewed hope.
The visitors seized their opportunity in stoppage time when Zian Flemming rose to head home from a corner in the 93rd minute, rescuing a crucial point that keeps their faint survival ambitions alive.
The Clarets’ draw moves them to within eight points of safety as they continue their battle to avoid relegation.
At Villa Park, Aston Villa’s hopes of keeping pace with Arsenal and Manchester City in the title race have faded in recent weeks, and a 1-1 draw against Leeds extended their disappointing home form.
Leeds took the lead in spectacular fashion when Anton Stach unleashed a stunning free-kick from around 40 yards out at a tight angle, catching goalkeeper Emi Martinez off guard at his near post.
Under Daniel Farke, Leeds have found consistency, losing only twice in their last 16 matches, a run that has eased earlier fears of being drawn into the relegation fight.
However, Villa salvaged a point in dramatic fashion as Tammy Abraham struck two minutes from full-time to deny the visitors a memorable victory.
With five Premier League clubs expected to secure Champions League qualification next season due to the strong performances of English teams in European competitions, the race for those coveted spots remains intense.
Liverpool and Manchester United have the opportunity to strengthen their positions when they face Nottingham Forest and Everton respectively in upcoming fixtures.
Elsewhere, James Milner etched his name further into the record books by making his 654th Premier League appearance during Brighton’s 2-0 triumph over Brentford.
The 40-year-old featured from the start as Brighton ended a seven-match winless streak, easing pressure on manager Fabian Hurzeler.
Diego Gomez opened the scoring for the Seagulls after Ferdi Kadioglu’s powerful effort struck the crossbar and rebounded into his path.
Danny Welbeck added a second just before the interval, capitalising on defensive lapses from Brentford to secure all three points.
Manchester City have the chance to close the gap to just two points behind leaders Arsenal when they host Newcastle in Saturday’s 2000GMT kick-off.
Arsenal have inadvertently revived City’s title hopes after dropping points in draws against Brentford and Wolves since Pep Guardiola’s side last played in the league.
The Gunners will look to respond on Sunday when they travel across north London to face Tottenham Hotspur in a highly anticipated derby clash.
What you should know
Chelsea’s draw with Burnley has dented their Champions League hopes after conceding late, while Aston Villa also needed a stoppage-time goal to secure a point against Leeds.
Burnley’s result keeps their survival hopes alive, and the race for European qualification remains tight with five Premier League teams set to qualify.
Brighton ended their winless run, and Manchester City can move within two points of Arsenal as the title race intensifies.
