London, Jan. 8 -- Arsenal has the chance to strengthen its grip on the Premier League on Thursday after second-placed Manchester City and third-placed Aston Villa were both held to draws on Wednesday night.
City was held 1-1 at home to Brighton on a night when Pep Guardiola's side produced a flat display against a team that played better in the second half.
City struggled to break down Brighton's defense until Diego Gomez brought down Jeremy Doku, allowing Erling Haaland to score from the penalty spot five minutes before halftime.
Kaoru Mitoma levelled in style for Brighton after 60 minutes with a low shot beyond Gianluigi Donnarumma and into the far corner to deny City two vital points.
Villa played out a goalless draw at Crystal Palac...