Manchester United defeated Chelsea 2-1 at Old Trafford yesterday to leave themselves on the brink of a record 19th Premier League title. First-half goals from Javier Hernandez and captain Nemanja Vidic clinched a superb victory which means that United need just one point from their remaining games against Blackburn and Blackpool to clinch the title.
Chelsea, whose lone goal came from the boot of Frank Lampard, had clawed back a 15-point deficit to leave themselves only three points behind United heading into yesterday’s heavyweight showdown. But the reigning champions were blown away in a devastating opening period which saw United take a 2-0 lead within 23 minutes, Hernandez scoring after only 37 seconds to spark delirium at Old Trafford.
Lampard gave Chelsea hope on 68 minutes, prodding in from close range after Ivanovic knocked down a deflected Ramires cross, but United were not to be denied.
Arsenal suffer against Stoke
Arsenal slumped to a 3-1 defeat against Stoke, their Premier League title hopes finishing after United’s win over Chelsea. First-half goals from Kenwyne Jones and Arsenal old boy Jermaine Pennant followed by a late Jonathan Walters strike secured a deserved win for the Potters at the Britannia Stadium.
Robin van Persie pulled a goal back to give Arsenal hope on 81 minutes but Stoke hit back almost immediately through Walters after another defensive lapse from the Gunners.
Wolves down West Brom
Wolves’ 3-1 victory over West Bromwich Albion lifted them out of the relegation zone. Steven Fletcher scored either side of an Adlene Guedioura strike as Mick McCarthy’s side moved up to 17th spot at the expense of Blackpool, who are one point behind in 18th.
Peter Odemwingie scored West Brom’s lone goal from the penalty spot on 55 minutes after Guedioura brought down Jerome Thomas right in front of referee Mike Dean.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 9th, 2011.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ