Premier League round-up MW19: Man City stunned by Sunderland as Liverpool and Spurs also drop points

London: Arsenal will enter 2026 with a commanding four-point lead at the summit of the Premier League after a transformative Matchweek 19 that saw the Gunners dismantle their closest rivals while Manchester City and Liverpool faltered in a series of New Year’s Day stalemates.

The festive period reached a fever pitch as Mikel Arteta’s side emerged as the definitive "Christmas Number One," capitalising on a rare night where the league's heavyweights appeared to have left their scoring boots in 2025.

Wearside Wall: Sunderland 0-0 Manchester City

In the shock result of the round, Sunderland produced a heroic defensive performance to hold Manchester City to a goalless draw at the Stadium of Light. Despite Pep Guardiola’s side dominating 67% of possession and peppering the goal with 18 shots, they could not find a way past Black Cats goalkeeper Robin Roefs.

The Belgian shot-stopper made six crucial saves, including a sprawling stop to deny Erling Haaland in stoppage time. For City, the result is a major blow to their title charge, leaving them four points adrift of Arsenal as rumours swirl regarding a potential January move for Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo to bolster their attacking options.

Check the Premier League standings here: EPL Points table 

Anfield Frustration: Liverpool 0-0 Leeds United

Liverpool’s pursuit of the summit hit a roadblock as they were held to a 0-0 draw by an inspired Leeds United. Under the lights at Anfield, the Reds struggled to break down a Leeds side that has now extended its unbeaten run to six matches.

While Ibrahima Konaté, currently the subject of intense contract speculation, was a stalwart at the back for Liverpool, the creative spark was missing in the final third. Leeds nearly snatched a winner through a late counter-attack, but the spoils were shared, leaving Arne Slot’s side ten points off the pace.

The Frank Homecoming: Brentford 0-0 Tottenham

In a highly anticipated "London derby," Thomas Frank returned to the Gtech Community Stadium with his Tottenham side but was forced to settle for a tactical 0-0 stalemate. Spurs, reportedly "down to the bare bones" due to injuries and AFCON absences, struggled to impose themselves on a compact Brentford unit. The draw keeps both sides in the congested battle for European qualification, though it marks a missed opportunity for Spurs to climb into the top four.

Cairney Rescues Cottagers: Crystal Palace 1-1 Fulham

The only scoring action among the featured matches occurred at Selhurst Park, where Fulham fought back to earn a 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace. After the Eagles took a first-half lead through Jean-Philippe Mateta, the game appeared to be slipping away from the visitors. However, veteran midfielder Tom Cairney silenced the home crowd with a clinical 80th-minute equaliser. The result leaves Palace winless in five as the January transfer window opens with several of their key stars linked with moves away.