Man City crank up pressure on Arsenal with Newcastle win

Manchester City are now breathing down the necks of Premier League leaders Arsenal after a hard-fought 2-1 home win over Newcastle United reduced the gap to two points on Saturday.

Nico O'Reilly scored both City goals in the first half before a resolute defensive display after the break ensured Pep Guardiola's side bagged three vital points.

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

Not long ago, with City dropping points, it seemed Arsenal had a vice-like grip on the title race.

But successive draws have opened the door ajar and City, while not the relentless force they were when reeling off four successive titles, are beginning to smell blood.

They came out determined to crank up the pressure on Arsenal and O'Reilly thumped home their opener in the 14th minute after a surging run and pass by Omar Marmoush.

Lewis Hall levelled soon after with a deflected shot but O'Reilly was in the right place again to head in Erling Haaland's cross in the 27th minute and it proved enough for a 17th successive home Premier League win against Newcastle.

City showed defensive grit after the break, with Haaland immense at both ends, as they held on for a win Guardiola described as 'massive' to move to 56 points.

Arsenal have 58 points also from 27 games and can ill afford to drop points at London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

Villa have 51 points from 27 after they needed a late goal by Tammy Abraham to earn a point at home to Leeds.

Chelsea moved above Manchester United into fourth spot on goal difference but it felt like two points dropped for the second week running as they drew 1-1 with Burnley at home.

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

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

West Ham had the opportunity to really put some pressure on Nottingham Forest and Spurs in the relegation battle, but played out a turgid draw with visiting Bournemouth. It was the sixth successive Premier League stalemate between the sides.

West Ham remained in 18th place, two points below Forest, who are immediately above the drop zone, and four behind Tottenham. Forest host Liverpool on Sunday.