Pressure and opportunity in New Year's Day Premier League games

LONDON, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- Tuesday's nights Premier League results have put the pressure on Manchester City, but offer an opportunity to Liverpool when they play their respective games on New Year's Day.

Arsenal's emphatic 4-1 win over Aston Villa lifted Mikel Arteta's side five points clear at the top of the table, putting the onus on Manchester City to take all three points on what is likely to be a tough and chilly visit to the Stadium of Light to face Sunderland.

The African Cup of Nations will play its role in the match with five Sunderland and two Manchester City players currently competing in Morocco, while John Stones and Jeremy Doku are also out for the visiting side.

Manchester City looks to be peaking after eight consecutive wins in all competitions, while Sunderland has only lost four times on its return to the elite.

Chelsea's draw at home to Bournemouth means that Liverpool has the chance to open up a five-point lead over the fifth place if Arne Slot's side is able to win at home to a dogged Leeds United that is unbeaten in five games and pushed Manchester City all the way in its last defeat.

Liverpool has sacked set-piece coach Aaron Briggs due to its problems defending corners and free kicks and Leeds may see that as the best chances of frustrating a side that has recovered, but still seems to leave rivals with chances of taking something from their games.

Tottenham coach Thomas Frank returns to face Brentford, who he left in the summer to coach Spurs. Frank returns to face a rival that is ninth in the table and enjoying its best ever first half to the season, while his job is still under pressure despite a win away to Crystal Palace.

Crystal Palace's will again be tested at home to Fulham, that is now level on points with Palace after three consecutive wins, while Oliver Glasner's side has suffered three straight defeats. ■