Aston Villa’s faint Premier League title hopes suffered a blow as they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Leeds United, and Chelsea’s top-four ambitions were damaged when they dropped two points against relegation-bound Burnley last night.
Anton Stach’s stunning 31st-minute free kick past Emiliano Martinez looked like it was giving Leeds a vital victory at Villa Park but substitute Tammy Abraham levelled late on.
The draw left third-placed Villa on 51 points from 27 games, seven behind leaders Arsenal, who go to north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur today.
Leeds are in 15th place, seven points above third-bottom West Ham United, who hosted Bournemouth last night.
Chelsea moved above Manchester United into fourth spot on goal difference but it was two points dropped as they drew 1-1 with Burnley at Stamford Bridge.
Joao Pedro put Chelsea ahead but the hosts were reduced to 10 men when Wesley Fofana received a second yellow card, and Burnley equalised in stoppage time through Zian Flemming.
Brighton & Hove Albion’s James Milner broke the Premier League appearance record in his side’s 2-0 win at Brentford. The 40-year-old former Manchester City and Liverpool player made his 654th appearance to go past Gareth Barry.
Abraham’s homecoming hit another sweet note as his late equaliser rescued Villa from defeat. The striker, who returned to Villa Park last month in an £18-million (R389-million) deal after a stint with Besiktas, grabbed his first league goal since his return in the 88th minute when the home side were trailing.
Leeds appeared destined for all three points after Stach’s spectacular free kick, but Abraham’s late intervention means third-placed Villa remain seven points behind leaders Arsenal.
The equaliser was Villa’s 19th point salvaged from losing positions in the Premier League this season — more than any other team.
Reuters
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