The Premier League continues with midweek fixtures; Man City’s three consecutive draws hand over the title, Man United struggles for a top-five spot with three draws, and Chelsea suffers a defeat.

January’s Premier League fixtures have been challenging! Playing two matches per week caused many strong teams to falter. Man City has dropped points in three consecutive rounds, likely surrendering the title after this streak; Man United has drawn three matches in a row against relegation rivals, complicating their fight for a top-five finish (Champions League spot); Chelsea’s loss pushed them out of the European competition zone.

In the 21st round of the Premier League, eight matches were played overnight with the following results:

• Man City 1-1 Brighton: Doku won a penalty, Haaland scored from the spot but also missed good chances. The Norwegian striker has gone four consecutive games without scoring from open play. Man City dominated but failed to score, and Haaland can’t be blamed alone. The big Norwegian striker struggles in tough matches and to deliver when needed, making it hard for him to become a superstar! Man City’s third consecutive draw means they dropped 6 points in 3 matches, and now trail league leaders Arsenal by 5 points with a game in hand, essentially falling behind in the title race.
• Fulham 2-1 Chelsea: In the London derby, the Cottagers showed no fear against the Blues. Fulham’s 2-1 win extended Chelsea’s winless streak to five games, causing them to drop out of European qualification spots. Cucurella was sent off with a straight red in this match. Chelsea’s season looks bleak now, just mediocre at best.
• Bournemouth 3-2 Tottenham: The Cherries ended their winless streak with a last-minute winner from new Man City signing Semeniuk, who immediately joined City after this perfect farewell. Bournemouth snapped an 11-game winless run, while Tottenham have only one win in their last six matches, making them the worst among the big six teams. Flick has completely failed to inspire the squad.
• Crystal Palace 0-0 Aston Villa: Great saves from Martin kept Aston Villa in the game, and they remain in third place.
• Everton 1-1 Wolves: The only Chinese-invested team in the big five leagues, Wolves, have recently regained form. Kean scored, hit the post, and was sent off; Grealish got two yellows turning into a red. Everton played with 9 men against 11 but managed to hold on for a point. Wolves missed a chance for back-to-back wins.
• Brentford 3-0 Sunderland: The Bees are in fantastic form, powered by Brazilian strikerIgor Thiagowho scored twice, bringing his season tally to 16 goals, breaking the record for most goals by a Brazilian in a single Premier League season. Brentford remain unbeaten in six matches. A new king of the Bees has emerged, while Sunderland’s dark horse status fades with five games without a win.
• Burnley 2-2 Man United: Sheshko scored twice, Haven scored an own goal, and Fletcher missed a chance to start with a win. Man United drew three consecutive times against relegation-threatened teams, making their top-five ambitions difficult.
• Newcastle 4-3 Leeds United: The Magpies continue to be formidable at home. Barnes scored a 102nd-minute winner plus a brace, earning Newcastle their third consecutive Premier League victory, returning to the European qualification zone and climbing to sixth place.