Arsenal levels with Manchester City after Villa upset and rainy win
Nicolas Jackson scored twice for Aston Villa to end Manchester City's unbeaten run, allowing Arsenal to close the gap to 21 points.
By Leila Reynolds ·
Arsenal and Manchester City now share the top spot in the Premier League with 21 points each after eight matchdays. The tie occurred on Saturday following a split result where Arsenal defeated Everton 2-0 at home, while Aston Villa beat City 2-1 away.
The season began with City holding a three-point lead. That advantage disappeared on Saturday when Villa Park hosted the leaders. Nicolas Jackson scored in the sixth minute and the 60th minute, securing a 2-1 victory for Unai Emery's side. The loss marked City's first defeat of the campaign and their fourth straight league loss to Villa.
In London, heavy rain fell at the Emirates Stadium as Arsenal took on Everton. Ezri Konsa opened the scoring in the seventh minute after a corner from Martin Odegaard. The goal ended a 13-game drought for set-piece goals. Ben White assisted Gabriel for the second goal in the 68th minute. Both players were making their 200th appearances for the club or league, respectively.
Manchester City remains under financial scrutiny while awaiting an appeal. An independent commission previously found 114 breaches of league financial rules. Club officials have denied wrongdoing. Nicolas Jackson told TNT Sports, "It's just the beginning; we're trying to work game by game."
Tottenham Hotspur moved to 12th place with a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge. It was their second league victory at Chelsea's ground in 36 years. Mike Penders, starting his first league game, punched a corner into his own net in the 77th minute. Cole Palmer received a second yellow card in the 80th minute. Mathys Tel scored the final goal in the 87th minute.
Fulham defeated Coventry City 1-0 to reach second place in their win count for the season. Oscar Bobb scored in the 80th minute with a curled finish. Fulham sits 13th in the table, while Coventry is 19th. Everton remains ninth after the loss in London.
The next round of Premier League matches is scheduled for the coming weekend. Arsenal and Manchester City will look to extend their leads or maintain their tie at the summit. Aston Villa, now in sixth place with 11 points, will aim to continue their strong form against upcoming opponents.
