Premier League: Man City stumble, Liverpool held as goal-shy New Year shakes up title race

Manchester City missed the chance to keep pace with Arsenal at the top of the Premier League after being held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Sunderland on Thursday, as a low-scoring start to 2026 saw three of four New Year’s Day fixtures end without a goal.

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City now trail league leaders Arsenal by four points after failing to capitalise on the Gunners’ emphatic 4-1 demolition of Aston Villa earlier in the week. Pep Guardiola’s side had won eight straight matches to close out 2025, but were unable to break down a resilient Sunderland team that preserved its unbeaten home record since returning to the top flight.



Bernardo Silva thought he had given City an early lead, only for his effort to be ruled out for offside inside the opening six minutes. Despite Sunderland missing six players to the Africa Cup of Nations and centre-back Dan Ballard through injury, the hosts held firm. Goalkeeper Robin Roefs produced a string of fine saves to deny Erling Haaland and Josko Gvardiol, while Savinho blazed over a gilt-edged chance.

“It’s a mystery,” Guardiola said. “We created a lot, especially in the second half. We take the point — it’s a long way to go.”


Liverpool were also left frustrated after being held to a 0-0 draw by Leeds at Anfield. Reds boss Arne Slot lamented the absence of “individual special moments” as his side struggled without Mohamed Salah and Alexander Isak. Leeds thought they had snatched a late winner through Dominic Calvert-Lewin, but his effort was ruled out for a marginal offside, extending their unbeaten run to six games.

Tottenham’s attacking woes continued in another goalless draw away to Brentford on Thomas Frank’s return to the club he once guided into the Premier League. Spurs fans vented their frustration late on, chanting “boring, boring Tottenham,” while Frank admitted, “We don’t create enough. We need to keep working on that.”

Elsewhere, Crystal Palace’s winless run stretched to six games after a 1-1 draw with Fulham. Jean-Philippe Mateta opened the scoring before Tom Cairney struck a fine equaliser.