Manchester City win with O'Reilly brace; Villa, Chelsea held

Aston Villa and Chelsea drop crucial points in the Premier League; James Milner sets appearance record.

Manchester City's Nico O'Reilly scored a first-half double to secure a 2-1 victory over visitors Newcastle United on Saturday and turn up the heat on Premier League leaders Arsenal.

City took the lead when O'Reilly slammed in a left-footed shot in the 14th minute before Lewis Hall levelled.

O'Reilly headed in Erling Haaland's cross to restore City's lead in the 27th and it proved to be the match-winner as Pep Guardiola's side cut Arsenal's lead to two points.

Arsenal visit north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday knowing City are now breathing down their necks.

The stuttering form of Arsenal, who drew 2-2 at bottom club Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday, has opened the door for City but victory over Newcastle was imperative.

A 17th consecutive Premier League home win over Newcastle looked like a formality early on as City overran the visitors. But it was a different story after the break as they nervously held on to claim the victory.

"Really tough but the team was unbelievable," Guardiola said. "70% of the players have never been in this situation (a close title race). So we have to live it, they know that every game will be like this."

Nothing illustrated City's determination more than the sight of goal-machine Haaland working tirelessly back in his own area, blocking shots and making clearing headers.

Newcastle pushed hard for an equaliser and when the final whistle blew there was relief around the Etihad Stadium and City will now be watching Arsenal's Sunday derby with added interest.

They were slick at the start and went ahead when a surging Omar Marmoush played in O'Reilly. He could have touched it on for Haaland to his left, but the 20-year-old opted to trust his left foot and his powerful shot beat goalkeeper Nick Pope.

Newcastle were level soon afterwards, though, as a weak clearance fell to Hall whose shot took a touch off a City player before beating keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Haaland was not on the scoresheet but he showed many other attributes to his game and it was his measured cross that was met by O'Reilly who directed his header past Pope.

It was the first time O'Reilly had scored twice in a Premier League game.

"He is so complete and so young. I am really pleased the academy produced these incredible players, Nico, Phil (Foden), Rico (Lewis)," Guardiola said.

City were nowhere near as effective as an attacking force after the break but defended doggedly when required and were always a threat on the counter-attack.

They now have 56 points behind Arsenal on 58, with both teams having played 27 games. Should Mikel Arteta's faltering side fail to beat struggling neighbours Spurs on Sunday, City will feel they have the title race firmly in their hands.

Aston Villa's faint Premier League title hopes suffered a blow as they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Leeds United and Chelsea's top-four ambitions were damaged when they dropped two points against relegation-bound Burnley.

Anton Stach's stunning 31st-minute free-kick past Emiliano Martinez looked like giving Leeds a vital victory at Villa Park but substitute Tammy Abraham levelled late on.

The striker, who returned to Villa Park last month in an 18 million pounds deal after a stint with Besiktas, grabbed his first league goal since his return, in the 88th minute when the home side were trailing.

Leeds appeared destined for all three points after Anton Stach's spectacular free kick, but Abraham's late intervention means third-placed Villa remain seven points behind leaders Arsenal.

The equaliser was Villa's 19th point salvaged from losing positions in the Premier League this season -- more than any other team.

'DREAM TO COME BACK'

"Like I said many times, it feels like a dream to come back and play for this club again. I'm happy to be here and bring extra energy," said Abraham, who had helped Villa secure promotion in 2018-19 with 25 goals while on loan at the club.

"I had to sniff around the box, be alert, be ready. Luckily for us, I got the goal."

Stach had stunned Villa Park with a moment of individual brilliance, catching everyone off guard when he stepped up to a free kick nearly 30 yards out.

While Villa expected a cross into the crowded penalty area, the German midfielder had other plans, fizzing a shot into the top corner at the near post.

"I just came back from injury so I didn't have enough time to practice this," Stach said after his third goal from a direct free kick this season.

"I saw the goalkeeper near the second post and I thought, I'd just do it."

But his free kick went in vain as Abraham struck when he diverted Ezri Konsa's header from a set-piece into the net.

"We're delighted to be where we are today but we are so close, so we have to just keep pushing and keep believing in ourselves," Abraham added.

"Who knows what can happen? We are not too far from Arsenal who are at the top. Unfortunately today we didn't get the win, but we just have to keep pushing."

The draw left third-placed Villa on 51 points from 27 games, seven behind leaders Arsenal who go to north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

Leeds are in 15th place, seven points above third-bottom West Ham United who host Bournemouth.

Chelsea reduced to 10 men after Fofana gets two yellows

Chelsea moved above Manchester United into fourth spot on goal difference but it was two points dropped as they drew 1-1 with Burnley at Stamford Bridge.

Joao Pedro put Chelsea ahead but the hosts were reduced to 10 men when Wesley Fofana received a second yellow card and Burnley equalised in stoppage time through Zian Flemming.

Brighton & Hove Albion's James Milner broke the Premier League appearance record in his side's 2-0 win at Brentford.

The 40-year-old former Manchester City and Liverpool player made his 654th appearance to go past Gareth Barry.