Haaland doubles up in Man City stroll as Chelsea are held by Palace

Chelsea's recent woes continued with a 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace, meaning they have taken just two points from four games over the festive period. Defending champions City beat Leicester last week for just their second win in 14 games but they have now won successive matches for the first time since October and Pep Guardiola will hope they have turned the corner.

The home side took the lead in the 10th minute when West Ham's Vladimir Coufal deflected City winger Savinho's cross past goalkeeper Alphonse Areola. City tightened their grip three minutes before the break when Haaland headed home at the back post from Savinho's deep cross.

The Norwegian claimed his second 10 minutes after the interval, dinking the ball over Areola after a fine pass from Savinho, to take his league haul to 16 goals, one behind Liverpool's Mohamed Salah. Phil Foden made it 4-0 before Niclas Fuellkrug grabbed a consolation for Julen Lopetegui's men, who suffered a 5-0 mauling by Premier League leaders Liverpool last week.

Despite their shocking run of results, sixth-placed City are just two points behind fourth-placed Chelsea. But Guardiola said his team were still not back in the groove. "We have struggled with results recently but the last two victories are good and we did not lose for three," he told the BBC. "I would say a month and half (of poor form) compared with eight years is not bad."

Enzo Maresca's Chelsea were breathing down Liverpool's necks just two weeks ago but are now nine points behind the Reds, having played two games more. The Italian, who has always insisted his team are not in the title race, made six changes for the match at Selhurst Park. Chelsea took the lead when Jadon Sancho drove down the left and found Cole Palmer, who calmly finished in the corner.

The visitors enjoyed the bulk of possession but they could not capitalise and Jean-Philippe Mateta levelled in the 82nd minute. Aston Villa beat relegation-threatened Leicester 2-1 at home, with goals from Ross Barkley and Leon Bailey. Brentford recorded their first league win on the road, smashing bottom side Southampton 5-0, and Bournemouth beat Everton 1-0. Second-placed Arsenal are in action at Brighton in the 17:30 GMT kick-off while Liverpool host crisis-hit Manchester United on Sunday.

 

January 4, 2025