Manchester City and Aston Villa fail to catch Arsenal in Premier League results.

Manchester City and Aston Villa failed to capitalize on the opportunity to close the gap on Arsenal at the top of the standings after only managing draws in Week 21 of the Premier League on Thursday, January 8, 2026, early morning WIB. Playing at Etihad Stadium, City were held to a 1-1 Draw by Brighton & Hove Albion.

The Citizens took the lead in the first half but couldn't hold onto it until the end of the match.

From the start, City dominated. Bernardo Silva threatened with an on-target shot in the 15th minute, but it was saved by Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.

City's moment came in the 38th minute when the referee pointed to the spot following a foul by Diego Gomez in the penalty area. Erling Haaland successfully converted the penalty, putting City ahead 1-0.

Brighton rallied after the break. Kaoru Mitoma equalized after receiving a cross from Ayari.

Both teams pushed for a winning goal in the remaining time, but no clear chances materialized until the final whistle blew.

This result leaves Manchester City still in second place in the Standings with 43 points, while Brighton moves up to 10th place with 29 points. 

Aston Villa Draws Goalless

Aston Villa also failed to seize the chance to close the gap on Arsenal at the top of the Premier League standings. Villa could only manage a 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Thursday, January 8, 2026, early morning WIB.

Despite the lack of goals, the match was fiercely contested and full of drama. Crystal Palace displayed discipline in front of their home fans, while Aston Villa played aggressively in their bid to keep pace with Arsenal at the summit.

Dean Henderson's heroic save was the highlight of the first half. The Crystal Palace keeper denied Ollie Watkins' close-range effort in the 25th minute. 

Palace also threatened through Yeremi Pino, but no goal resulted.

Entering the second half, the intensity increased. Both teams pressed each other, but disciplined defending and goalkeeper performances thwarted the chances that were created.

Aston Villa almost broke the deadlock in the 84th minute when Matty Cash's cross was met by Ollie Watkins' header, but the ball struck the post.

Morgan Rogers also squandered a chance to score in the 89th minute when his shot from inside the penalty area sailed over the bar. 

This draw leaves Aston Villa still in third place in the provisional standings with 43 points.