MANCHESTER City got to within touching distance of Arsenal in the English Premier League title with a 3-0 victory over Sunderland today.
Pep Guardiola’s side capitaled on leaders Arsenal’s 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa earlier in comfortably dispatching Sunderland at Etihad Stadium and cutting the deficit to just two points.
City initially found it difficult to make inroads against the Sunderland’s low block and were frustrated by a solid five-man backline.
Having kept the hosts at bay, the visitors saw the game snatched away in the space of four first-half minutes, courtesy of goals from City’s two centre-halves.
The Black Cats defenders sat back on Ruben Dias and it proved fatal as the Portugal international strode forward and unleashed a thunderous 30-yard strike, which took a deflection off Dan Ballard and swerved into the top corner.
The hosts doubled their advantage on 35 minutes when Josko Gvardiol leapt highest to power home an unstoppable header from Phil Foden’s inswinging corner and give the hosts a comfortable half-time cushion.
Erling Haaland’s hooked shot was cleared off the line by Lutsharel Geertruida, before Rayan Cherki provided a sublime assist for Foden to head in the third goal.
Sunderland saw Luke O’Nien sent off in injury-time for a nasty, studs-high challenge on Matheus Nunes, with the yellow card upgraded to a red after referee Andy Madley reviewed the challenge on the pitchside monitor.
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s slump continued as their striker Liam Delap injured his shoulder during a drab 0-0 draw at Bournemouth.
The England Under-21 international was replaced by teenager Marc Guiu after a series of physical duels with Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi, who also later went off injured after overstretching for the ball in the second half.
Both sides struggled in attack despite Chelsea recalling forward Cole Palmer, who lasted 58 minutes in his first start since 20 September, having suffered a groin injury before fracturing his toe in November.
Bournemouth thought they had scored in the fifth minute when Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo reacted quickest to finish from close range after Evanilson’s blocked attempt.
However, Evanilson was marginally offside in the build-up and the goal was ruled out by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
Bournemouth held on comfortably but rarely threatened in the second half, apart from Semenyo’s dribble and shot that drew a good save from goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
Andoni Iraola’s side will be pleased despite being now six matches without a win, while Chelsea are winless in three, denting talk of a potential title challenge.
In London, Tottenham Hotspur eased the pressure on manager Thomas Frank with a convincing 2-0 win against his former club Brentford.
The Bees’ visit to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium had all the hallmarks of a banana skin for Spurs and Frank as he struggles to convince supporters of his pedigree.
Instead, against a club where Frank was idolised, Spurs lifted spirits with a thoroughly deserved win to follow their midweek draw at Newcastle.
Summer signing Xavi Simons inspired Frank’s side, setting up Richarlison for a simple opener then embarking on a solo run from inside his own half before scoring his first goal for Spurs with a composed finish.
Spurs were never under serious pressure in the second half as they closed out a win that was much needed for Frank and his players.
Super Eagles midfielder Frank Onyeka was once again an unused substitute for Brentford.
EPL RESULTS
Aston Villa 2-1 Arsenal
Manchester City 3-0 Leeds United
Bournemouth 0-0 Arsenal
Tottenham 2-0 Brentford
Everton 3-0 Nottingham Forest
Newcastle United 2-1 Burnley