Daijiworld Media Network - London
London, Jan 2: Manchester City missed a key opportunity to stay in touch with leaders Arsenal after being held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Sunderland on Thursday, as the Premier League witnessed a low-scoring start to 2026, with three of the four New Year’s Day fixtures ending goalless.
City now trail Arsenal by four points after failing to capitalise on the Gunners’ emphatic 4-1 win over Aston Villa earlier this week. Pep Guardiola’s side, which had won eight consecutive matches to close out 2025, struggled to find a breakthrough against a resolute Sunderland outfit that maintained its unbeaten home record since returning to the top flight.
Bernardo Silva had the ball in the net inside the opening six minutes, but his effort was ruled out for offside. Despite Sunderland missing six players due to the Africa Cup of Nations and centre-back Dan Ballard through injury, the hosts stood firm. Goalkeeper Robin Roefs produced a series of fine saves to deny Erling Haaland and Josko Gvardiol, while Savinho squandered a clear chance by firing over the bar.
“We created a lot, especially in the second half,” Guardiola said. “We take the point — it’s a long way to go.”
At Anfield, Liverpool were also left disappointed after a 0-0 draw against Leeds. Reds manager Arne Slot pointed to the lack of “individual special moments” as Liverpool struggled in the absence of Mohamed Salah and Alexander Isak. Leeds thought they had clinched a late winner through Dominic Calvert-Lewin, but the goal was ruled out for a marginal offside, extending their unbeaten run to six games.
Tottenham Hotspur’s attacking struggles continued with another goalless draw away to Brentford, marking Thomas Frank’s return to the club he once guided into the Premier League. Frustrated Spurs supporters voiced their displeasure late on, while Frank admitted, “We don’t create enough. We need to keep working on that.”
Elsewhere, Crystal Palace remained winless for the sixth straight match after a 1-1 draw with Fulham. Jean-Philippe Mateta gave Palace the lead before Tom Cairney struck a fine equaliser for the visitors.