Tuesday night’s games in gameweek 24 of the Premier League produced major drama and some big results at both ends of the table. Here is what happened in those potentially crucial clashes:
Newcastle dent the Citizens title hopes
Reigning champions Manchester City suffered a 2-1 defeat at struggling Newcastle, which could prove fatal to their hopes of winning the Premier League title.
The visitors could not have made a better start, as Pep Guardiola’s side were ahead in the first 30 seconds of the game. David Silva headed a Raheem Sterling cross back across the goal to Sergio Aguero, who fired home.
The goal could have led to a battering for the home side. However, Guardiola’s team then went on to produce a lacklustre display. A one-goal lead was always a dangerous one and Newcastle equalised on 66 minutes after further chances at both ends of the pitch.
The ball dropped to Salomon Rondon after City failed to clear their lines and the Venezuelan striker volleyed home. Things got even better for the home side with just ten minutes left on the clock.
Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho dwelled on the ball on the edge of the area. Young midfielder Sean Longstaff nipped in and Fernandinho stuck out a leg and tripped the Newcastle prospect in the penalty area. City goalkeeper Ederson received treatment for an injury, which delayed the spot-kick. However, Matt Ritchie stepped up and smashed an effort under the City keeper’s body.
Unsurprising, Guardiola’s team dominated possession in the closing stages of the game, but could not find a way past the resilient Newcastle backline.
The result means that Newcastle moved five points clear of the relegation zone. City could finish the gameweek seven points behind league leaders Liverpool, who face Leicester tonight at Anfield. The Citizens are now major outsiders to retain their crown.
Solskjaer’s hundred per cent record goes against Burnley
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s hundred per cent record as Manchester United boss ended at Old Trafford, as the Red Devils drew 2-2 with Burnley in dramatic fashion.
After a goalless first half, the Clarets opened the scoring six minutes into the second half. Burnley midfielder Jack Cork caught Andreas Pereira on the ball just inside the United half and found striker Ashley Barnes, who smashed home a powerful effort from 15 yards out.
Burnley goalkeeper Tom Heaton produced a fine save from Romelu Lukaku before the visitors doubled their lead with just nine minutes left on the clock. Chris Wood headed home an Ashley Westwood cross from close-range. The strike looked to have sealed an unlikely away win for the Clarets.
However, United roared back and were back in the game on 87 minutes. Visiting midfielder Jeff Hendrick tugged back substitute Jesse Lingard in the penalty area and Paul Pogba put the resulting spot-kick into the top left-hand corner of the net.
The home side then pushed for an equaliser with Heaton producing a brilliant save from a 20-yard Paul Pogba effort. The England international also kept out an Alexis Sanchez header before Victor Lindelof buried the rebound to earn United a point.
The point means that the sixth-place Red Devils are two points behind fourth-place Chelsea in the race for a Champions League spot this season. Burnley are 15th in the table four points clear of the relegation zone but will rue the missed opportunity.
Tuesdays other Premier League results
Arsenal 2-1 Cardiff
Fulham 4-2 Brighton
Huddersfield 0-1 Everton
Wolves 3-0 West Ham
Are Manchester City’s Premier League title hopes now over?
