Chelsea’s stuttering end-of-year form continued into 2025 as they were held to a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace in one of five 3pm Premier League kick-offs on Saturday afternoon.
Cole Palmer gave Enzo Maresca’s side a first-half lead, courtesy of a Jadon Sancho assist, but an 82nd-minute equaliser from Jean-Philippe Mateta ensured the Blues are now winless in four league matches.
The point may prove vital for Oliver Glasner’s team, who move six points clear of the relegation zone.
But if Chelsea will be hoping to put behind the business end of 2024 firmly behind them, Manchester City will be looking to continue theirs for as long as possible.
Pep Guardiola’s side made it back-to-back league wins for the first time since October as they ran out comfortable 4-1 winners against West Ham at the Etihad.
A Vladimir Coufal own goal set City on their way before an Erling Haaland brace and a Phil Foden strike put the hosts in a commanding position.
FULL-TIME | Starting 2025 with a win! 👊
🩵 4-1 ⚒️ #ManCity | @okx pic.twitter.com/6QLROahKiy
— Manchester City (@ManCity) January 4, 2025
Niclas Fullkrug pulled one back for the Hammers but it proved to be little more than consolation as pressure mounts on manager Julen Lopetegui.
City move to within two points of the top four.
It was another miserable afternoon for bottom side Southampton, who were thrashed 5-0 by Brentford at St Mary’s.
Kevin Schade opened the scoring for the Bees. The Saints kept it to 1-0 for the best part of an hour before Bryan Mbeumo hit a quick-fire double.
From there, the floodgates opened and Keane Lewis-Potter and Yoane Wissa added a fourth and fifth in added time to move Thomas Frank’s team up to tenth.
Elsewhere, the signs of Aston Villa’s resurgence are starting to show as they emerged 2-1 winners against Leicester.
First victory of the new year 🤝
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) January 4, 2025
Ross Barkley and Leon Bailey grabbed the goals for Villa as they recorded their first Premier League double over the Foxes since 2004.
Stephy Mavididi had earlier levelled for Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side but the Dutchman’s job to keep Leicester in the Premier League looks increasingly more challenging.
The Foxes have now lost five league games in a row and eight of their last ten.
A David Brooks goal proved enough as Bournemouth saw off Everton 1-0 at the Vitality Stadium.
The result keeps the Cherries in seventh, while the Toffees remain in 16th.
