In the latest football news, Liverpool have taken a significant step in the Premier League title race by defeating Aston Villa 2-0, moving five points clear at the top. This victory is particularly impactful given Manchester City's recent struggles, highlighted by their fourth consecutive defeat after losing 2-1 to Brighton. This marked a surprising turn for City, who had previously shown dominant form in the league.

Chelsea's recent performances under new manager Enzo Maresca have been noteworthy. Despite facing challenges such as managing an oversized squad and facing external criticism, Maresca has begun to turn the club's fortunes around. This has sparked discussions on whether Chelsea can maintain their upward trajectory in the league.

In player news, Jude Bellingham broke his scoring drought with a remarkable goal against Osasuna, helping Real Madrid to a 4-0 victory. This could signal a return to form for the young midfielder, which would be timely for the club as they continue their campaign in various competitions.

Given these developments, Liverpool's lead provides a crucial advantage as the season progresses, setting up a challenging scenario for Manchester City to bounce back and retain their title aspirations. As the Premier League unfolds, these stories indicate a season filled with unexpected turns and riveting narratives for fans to follow.