PL Round-Up: Chelsea, Villa UCL Hopes Dealt Blows; Milner Scripts History

Last Updated:February 21, 2026, 23:00 IST

Chelsea drew 1-1 with Burnley after Fofana’s red card and Flemming’s late goal. Milner set a PL record as Brighton beat Brentford. Villa drew with Leeds.

Chelsea’s bid for Champions League qualification suffered a blow as Burnley snatched a dramatic 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.

João Pedro fired the Blues ahead inside four minutes, and Chelsea controlled much of the contest without killing it off. The turning point came with 18 minutes remaining when Wesley Fofana was shown a second yellow card, reducing the hosts to 10 men.

Burnley made the extra man count. In the 93rd minute, Zian Flemming powered home a header from a corner to earn a precious point that keeps the Clarets’ faint survival hopes alive — moving them to within eight points of safety.

Chelsea edge into the Premier League’s top four on goal difference, but could be overtaken with rivals still to play.

Villa Pegged Back, Then Respond

Aston Villa were also forced to settle for a 1-1 draw at home to Leeds United.

Anton Stach stunned Villa Park with a sensational 40-yard free-kick from a tight angle that caught Emi Martinez at his near post. Leeds, revitalised under Daniel Farke, have now lost just twice in their last 16 matches.

But Tammy Abraham rescued a point for Villa two minutes from time, keeping them within touching distance of the title pace-setters.

Milner Makes History as City Lurk

At the Gtech Community Stadium, Brighton & Hove Albion beat Brentford 2-0 to ease pressure on Fabian Hurzeler.

James Milner set a new Premier League record with his 654th appearance, starting as Brighton ended a seven-game winless run. Diego Gomez opened the scoring after Ferdi Kadioglu’s thunderbolt struck the bar, and Danny Welbeck capitalised on slack defending before half-time.

Later, Manchester City can move within two points of leaders Arsenal when they host Newcastle United.

Arsenal, meanwhile, face rivals Tottenham Hotspur in Sunday’s north London derby, with the title race tightening by the week.

(with AFP inputs)

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