Chelsea F.C. saw their push for Champions League qualification suffer a setback after a dramatic 1-1 draw with Burnley F.C. at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues moved into the Premier League’s top four on goal difference but were left ruing missed opportunities after failing to build on Joao Pedro’s early opener.
Chelsea controlled much of the contest until defender Wesley Fofana was dismissed with 18 minutes remaining following a second booking. Burnley capitalised late on, as Zian Flemming headed home a stoppage-time equaliser to keep the Clarets’ faint survival hopes alive. The result leaves Burnley eight points adrift of safety.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa F.C. were also forced to settle for a 1-1 draw at home to Leeds United F.C.. Villa, who had stayed in touch with title contenders Arsenal F.C. and Manchester City F.C. until recent weeks, continued their dip in form at Villa Park.
Leeds took the lead through a stunning long-range free-kick from Anton Stach, which caught Emiliano Martinez off guard at his near post. Despite their strong recent run under manager Daniel Farke, Leeds were denied victory when Tammy Abraham struck late to rescue a point for Villa.
Elsewhere, James Milner made history by setting a new Premier League record of 654 appearances as Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. secured a 2-0 win over Brentford F.C.. The victory ended a seven-game winless streak for Brighton and eased pressure on manager Fabian Hurzeler.
Diego Gomez opened the scoring after Ferdi Kadioglu rattled the crossbar, while Danny Welbeck added a second before half-time.
Attention now turns to the title race, where Manchester City F.C. can move within two points of leaders Arsenal F.C. when they host Newcastle United F.C.. Arsenal, meanwhile, face rivals Tottenham Hotspur F.C. in Sunday’s north London derby.
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