Manchester United moved nine points clear at the top of the Premier League as Javier Hernandez’s late goal clinched a crucial 1-0 win over Everton early yesterday.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s side found it tough to break down a resolute Everton defence and looked in danger of dropping two points at Old Trafford, but Mexican striker Hernandez ended the stalemate with a close-range header seven minutes from full-time. Hernandez’s winner piles the pressure back onto title rivals Chelsea and Arsenal, who both trail United by nine points.
Second-placed Chelsea played West Ham late yesterday while third-placed Arsenal travel to Bolton today.
With a Champions League semi-final first-leg clash against Schalke looming on Tuesday, Ferguson rested Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra, Ryan Giggs and Michael Carrick. United still dominated the first half and Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard made two good saves to frustrate Hernandez.
But they finally made the breakthrough in the 83rd minute when Antonio Valencia’s cross to the far post was headed in by Hernandez from virtually on the goal-line.
“We didn’t expect that level of performance,” said Ferguson. “Hernandez comes in every day at nine and he’s the last to leave, this boy is very dedicated.”
Spurs draw with West Brom
Tottenham wasted a chance to leapfrog fourth-placed Manchester City as West Bromwich Albion secured a 2-2 draw at White Hart Lane.
Albion took the lead in the fifth minute through Nigerian striker Peter Odemwingie. Roman Pavlyuchenko equalised in the 27th minute and Jermain Defoe hit his 100th Premier League goal in the 66th minute to put Spurs ahead.
But Simon Cox equalised for Albion in the 81st minute and Spurs are now one point behind City, who travel to Blackburn tomorrow.
Liverpool stay alive
Liverpool’s resurgence under Kenny Dalglish continued as Maxi Rodriguez’s hat-trick inspired a 5-0 win against Birmingham at Anfield.
Dalglish’s sixth-placed team took just seven minutes to open the scoring through Rodriguez and Dirk Kuyt increased Liverpool’s advantage in the 23rd minute. Rodriguez got his second goal in the 66th minute and the Argentina midfielder completed his treble in the 73rd minute before Joe Cole struck in the 86th minute.
Blackpool away from danger
Blackpool climbed out of the bottom three with a 1-1 draw against Newcastle at Bloomfield Road.
Peter Lovenkrands fired Newcastle into a 17th minute lead but DJ Campbell headed the 32nd minute equaliser and Blackpool are now ahead of third bottom Wigan on goal difference.
Meanwhile, Sunderland eased their relegation fears with a 4-2 victory over Wigan at the Stadium of Light. Second bottom Wolves’ hopes of avoiding relegation were dented as Fulham drew 1-1 at Molineux.
Aston Villa could not give ill boss Gerard Houllier, who has been hospitalised with chest pains, a much-needed tonic as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Stoke.
United manager Alex Ferguson
“People keep saying Arsenal and Chelsea have got to play us still, like we’re going to lose to them. There are only four games left and the way the players are going about their business gives them an outstanding chance of success.”
Published in The Express Tribune, April 24th, 2011.
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