MANCHESTER CITY MAINTAINS EPL LEAD

Coronavirus postponements aside, 28 goals in the English Premier League’s six Boxing Day games provided a heavy dose of drama even without changing the complexion of the title race.

Even Manchester City, coasting after 25 minutes, managed to shake things up with a 10-minute secondhalf implosion to end up delivering a nine-goal thriller. The 6-3 win over Leicester left the defending champion six points in front.

“It was a roller coaster, a typical Boxing Day with a lot of goals,” City manager Pep Guardiola said. “For everyone it was an entertaining game.”

Second-place Liverpool does have a game in hand on City after the COVID-19 outbreak at Leeds meant that was one of three games postponed on Sunday. And Chelsea is now level on points with Liverpool after coming from behind to beat Aston Villa 3-1.

City has now won nine consecutive matches in its title defense to gain top spot and pull clear.

COVID postponements

Leeds and Wolverhampton secured Premier League approval for further matches to be postponed due to coronavirus outbreaks in squads.

Leeds’ home game against Aston Villa on Tuesday has been called off, having already had Sunday’s match at Liverpool postponed.

Wolverhampton also won’t now play at Arsenal on Tuesday, with Wolverhampton having already been prevented from hosting Watford on Sunday due to a lack of Watford players.

The Premier League has now called off 15 matches because of coronavirus issues in 21⁄2 weeks.

But Crystal Palace had its request rejected for Sunday’s game at Tottenham to be postponed and lost 3-0.

African Cup agreement

European clubs were handed a boost when they were allowed to delay the release of players to African Cup of Nations squads until the week the tournament begins after a request from domestic leagues was accepted by the Confederation of African Football.

FIFA regulations had mandated players be released today, extending the time they would be missing from games in European competitions like the Premier League that play across the Christmas and New Year period and throughout the African Cup.

Clubs can now keep players for matches until Jan. 3. The 24-nation African Cup opens on Jan. 9.