The race for European qualification in the Premier League intensified over the weekend, as a string of key results reshuffled the standings and set the stage for a dramatic run-in.

Chelsea and Manchester City were both held to frustrating 0-0 draws, dropping valuable points at a pivotal stage of the campaign. Chelsea’s stalemate at Brentford extended its winless away run to eight matches, a troubling stretch that continues to threaten the club's top-four ambitions. The Blues remain in fourth place on 53 points, but the chasing pack is closing in.

City, meanwhile, were held at Old Trafford by a resolute Manchester United, also failing to find the net in a cagey affair. City now sits fifth, one point behind Chelsea, and are in danger of losing momentum heading into the business end of the season.

Aston Villa and Fulham capitalized on those stumbles. Unai Emery’s side edged past Nottingham Forest 2-1 at Villa Park, reaffirming its European credentials and moving within two points of the top four. Fulham delivered the shock of the weekend, defeating league leaders Liverpool 3-2 at Craven Cottage — the Reds’ first loss in 27 matches.

It was a statement victory for Marco Silva’s men, who have surged into the European conversation. Fulham now sit eighth on 48 points, just five behind Chelsea and firmly in the mix for Champions League contention.