LONDON (Reuters) - Leaders Manchester City were the beneficiaries as Chelsea and Liverpool shared the spoils in a thrilling 2-2 Premier League draw on Sunday, while Leeds United pulled eight points clear of the relegation zone with a 3-1 win over Burnley.
Brighton & Hove Albion piled further pressure on Everton coach Rafael Benitez by earning a 3-2 win at Goodison Park and Brentford continued their fine first Premier League season thanks to a 2-1 victory over visitors Aston Villa.
City’s last-gasp 2-1 win at Arsenal on New Year’s Day had moved the reigning champions 11 points clear of Chelsea in second and 12 in front of third-placed Liverpool ahead of the latter pair’s meeting at Stamford Bridge.
Despite Liverpool’s coach Juergen Klopp, goalkeeper Alisson, Roberto Firmino and Joel Matip all missing the match having tested positive for COVID-19, the Reds looked set to close the gap on City to nine points after racing into a 2-0 lead.
Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah put Liverpool in command inside 26 minutes with Chelsea, who left Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku out of their matchday squad following an interview in which he was critical of coach Thomas Tuchel’s tactics, all at sea.
However, a stunning strike from Mateo Kovacic and Christian Pulisic’s powerful finish brought Chelsea level before halftime, with both sides then having chances to win a pulsating clash.
The two title chasers had to settle for a point, however, with City the real winners as they stand 10 point clear and remain firm favorites to retain their Premier League crown.