Arsenal’s Premier League title prospects were enhanced without them even kicking a ball on Wednesday, as their closest challengers Manchester City and Aston Villa both dropped points.
Erling Haaland scored his 150th goal for City as he put them in front against Brighton and Hove Albion from the penalty spot, but Kaoru Mitoma equalised for the visitors on the hour with the game finishing 1-1.
It was the third successive draw for Manchester City who were held by Sunderland on New Year’s Day and by Chelsea at the weekend when they also conceded an equaliser.
Second-placed City remain five points behind Arsenal who can stretch the lead to eight if they beat Liverpool on Thursday.
“The result is the result. I’m not a person who believes what we have done isn’t fair,” City manager Pep Guardiola said.
Third-placed Villa are also five behind after they could only draw 0-0 in a contest at Crystal Palace, Ollie Watkins going closest for Villa with a late effort against the woodwork.
Wednesday’s Premier League results
Bournemouth 3-2 Tottenham Hotspur
Brentford 3-0 Sunderland
Crystal Palace 0-0 Aston Villa
Everton 1-1 Wolves
Fulham 2-1 Chelsea
Manchester City 1-1 Brighton
Burnley 2-2 Manchester United
Newcastle 4-3 Leeds.