( CNN ) -- Manchester City 's faltering bid for a first English Premier League title in 44 years received a further setback on Saturday as they drew 3-3 with Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium . Two late goals ensured Roberto Mancini 's team preserved their unbeaten home record in the league , but it means rivals Manchester United will go five points clear at the top of the table if they win at Blackburn Rovers on Monday . Sebastian Larsson put Sunderland ahead after half-an-hour before Mario Balotelli equalized from the penalty spot two minutes before the break after striker Edin Dzeko was brought down . But City soon found themselves behind again when striker Nicklas Bendtner headed home in first half injury time . Larsson got his second of the match 10 minutes after the break and City looked doomed to defeat as the match headed towards its climax . But two goals in two minutes -- Balotelli in the 85th followed by Aleksandar Kolarov -- ensured City came away with a point . Chelsea 's quest to qualify for the Champions League received a boost as they beat Aston Villa 4-2 on an emotional day at Villa Park . Villa captain Stiliyan Petrov , who was diagnosed with acute leukemia on Friday , watched from the stands after receiving a standing ovation before the game . Petrov thanks fans for messages of support . Branislav Ivanovic scored twice ( 51st and 83rd minute ) for the West Londoners after Daniel Sturridge had scored the game 's opening goal in the ninth minute . Second-half goals from James Collins and American Eric Lichaj kept Villa in the hunt for a point , but Fernando Torres made sure of three points in injury time to keep the Blues in fifth spot , two points behind Tottenham who host Swansea City tomorrow . Muamba posts first photo . Arsenal 's winning run came to an end in West London as they lost 2-1 to Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road . Moroccan midfielder Adel Taarabt put the home side in front in the 22nd minute before Theo Walcott equalized for the Gunners eight minutes before halftime . But French midfielder Samba Diakite 's 66th minute goal proved to be decisive to keep Mark Hughes ' side 18th in the table with 28 points . Arsenal remain in third with 58 points . Fellow strugglers Wigan also won 2-0 at home to Stoke but Wolverhapton Wanderers miserable form continued as they went down 3-2 to Bolton at Molineux to leave them rooted to the bottom with 22 points . Everton moved above Merseyside rivals Liverpool ( who travel to Newcastle on Sunday ) thanks to a 2-0 win over West Bromwich Albion at Goodison Park . A goal in either half moves David Moyes ' team up to seventh with 43 points .
Manchester City drop vital points at home drawing 3 - 3 against Sunderland . Manchester United could be five points clear if they beat Blackburn Rovers on Monday . Chelsea beat Aston Villa 3 - 2 to keep up pressure on Tottenham in race for fourth place . Wolves sink further into contention with 3 - 2 home defeat against Bolton Wanderers .