Soccer-Villa and Chelsea drop points, Milner breaks Premier league record


Soccer Football - Premier League - Aston Villa v Leeds United - Villa Park, Birmingham, Britain - February 21, 2026 Aston Villa's Tammy Abraham celebrates scoring their first goal with Ezri Konsa Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs

BIRMINGHAM, England, Feb 21 (Reuters) - ⁠Aston Villa's faint Premier League title hopes suffered ⁠a blow as they were held to a ‌1-1 draw at home to Leeds United and Chelsea's top-four ambitions were damaged when they dropped two points against relegation-bound Burnley on ​Saturday.

Anton Stach's stunning 31st-minute free kick past ⁠Emiliano Martinez looked like ⁠giving Leeds a vital victory at Villa Park but ⁠substitute Tammy ‌Abraham levelled late on.

The draw left third-placed Villa on 51 points from 27 games, seven ⁠behind leaders Arsenal who go to north ​London rivals Tottenham ‌Hotspur on Sunday. Manchester City can cut Arsenal's lead ⁠down to ​two points if they beat Newcastle United later.

Leeds are in 15th place, seven points above third-bottom West Ham United ⁠who host Bournemouth.

Chelsea moved above Manchester United ​into fourth spot on goal difference but it was two points dropped as they drew 1-1 with Burnley at ⁠Stamford Bridge.

Joao Pedro put Chelsea ahead but the hosts were reduced to 10 men when Wesley Fofana received a second yellow card and Burnley equalised in stoppage time ​through Zian Flemming.

Brighton & Hove Albion's James ⁠Milner broke the Premier League appearance record in his side's ​2-0 win at Brentford.

The 40-year-old ‌former Manchester City and Liverpool player ​made his 654th appearance to go past Gareth Barry.

(Reporting by Martyn Herman, Editing by Ed Osmond)

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