Chelsea’s poor year-end form continued into 2025 as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Crystal Palace in one of five Premier League kick-off games at 3pm on Saturday afternoon.
Cole Palmer gave Enzo Maresca’s side a first-half lead thanks to an assist from Jadon Sancho, but an 82nd-minute equalizer from Jean-Philippe Mateta ensured the Blues are now winless in four league games.
The point could prove crucial for Oliver Glasner’s side, who are now six points clear of the relegation zone.
But if Chelsea hope to finally put the deal behind them by the end of 2024, Manchester City will look to continue their business for as long as possible.
Pep Guardiola’s side managed their second consecutive league win for the first time since October as they secured a comfortable 4-1 win over West Ham at the Etihad.
A Vladimir Coufal own goal got City on their way before a brace from Erling Haaland and a strike from Phil Foden put the hosts in a commanding position.
FULL TIME | Start 2025 with a win! 👊
🩵 4-1 ⚒️ #ManCity | @okx pic.twitter.com/6QLROahKiy
— Manchester City (@ManCity) January 4, 2025
Niclas Fullkrug scored for the Hammers but it was little more than a consolation as the pressure mounted on coach Julen Lopetegui.
City moved within two points of the top four.
It was another miserable afternoon for bottom side Southampton, who were beaten 5-0 by Brentford at St Mary’s.
Kevin Schade scored the first goal for the Bees. The Saints maintained their score at 1-0 for almost an hour before Bryan Mbeumo scored a quick brace.
From there the floodgates opened and Keane Lewis-Potter and Yoane Wissa added a fourth and fifth in stoppage time to move Thomas Frank’s team up to tenth.
Elsewhere, signs of Aston Villa’s resurgence are beginning to appear as they ran out 2-1 winners against Leicester.
First win in the new year 🤝
– Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) January 4, 2025
Ross Barkley and Leon Bailey scored the goals for Villa, securing their first Premier League double against the Foxes since 2004.
Stephy Mavididi had earlier equalized for Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side, but the Dutchman’s task of keeping Leicester in the Premier League is becoming increasingly difficult.
The Foxes have now lost five league games in a row and eight of their last ten.
A David Brooks goal was enough as Bournemouth beat Everton 1-0 at the Vitality Stadium.
The result keeps the Cherries in seventh place while the Toffees stay in 16th.
