Chelsea's faltering year-end form continued into 2025, as they drew 1-1 with Crystal Palace in one of their five Premier League kick-off matches on Saturday afternoon.
Cole Palmer gave Enzo Maresca's side the lead in the first half, thanks to Jadon Sancho's pass, but an 82nd-minute equalizer from Jean-Philippe Mateta ensured the Blues are now winless in four league games.
This point could be vital for coach Oliver Glasner's team, which is six points away from the relegation zone.
But if Chelsea are hoping to put the end of 2024 behind them with a bang, Manchester City will be looking to get on with their business for as long as possible.
Pep Guardiola's side made it back-to-back wins in the league for the first time since October, recording a comfortable 4-1 win over West Ham at the Etihad Stadium.
Vladimir Coufal's own goal set City on their way before an Erling Haaland double and a Phil Foden strike put the home side in a commanding position.
Full time | We start 2025 with a win! 👊
🩵 4-1 ⚒️ #ManCity | @okx pic.twitter.com/6QLROahKiy
– Manchester City (@ManCity) January 4, 2025
Niklas Volkrug pulled one back for the Hammers, but that proved to be little more than a consolation as the pressure mounted on manager Julen Lopetegui.
City is now two points away from the top four.
It was another miserable afternoon for bottom club Southampton, who suffered a crushing 5-0 defeat by Brentford at St Mary's Stadium.
Kevin Scheid opened the scoring for the Bees. The Saints kept the score at 1-0 for the best part of an hour before Brian Mbeumu scored two quick goals.
From there, the floodgates opened and Keane Lewis-Potter and Yoan Wesa added fourth and fifth goals in extra time as Thomas Frank's side moved up to 10th place.
Elsewhere, signs of Aston Villa's comeback are beginning to emerge after their 2-1 win over Leicester.
The first victory of the new year 🤝
– Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) January 4, 2025
Ross Barkley and Leon Bailey scored for Villa as they scored their first Premier League double over the Foxes since 2004.
Stevie Mavididi had earlier equalized for Ruud van Nistelrooy's side, but the Dutchman's task of keeping Leicester in the Premier League is looking increasingly more difficult.
The Foxes have now lost five league games in a row and eight of their last ten.
David Brooks' goal proved to be enough as Bournemouth beat Everton 1-0 at the Vitality Stadium.
The result kept the Cherries in seventh place, while the Toffees remained in sixteenth place.
