Draw worsens Chelsea’s title blues

Third-placed Arsenal lose 2-1 to Aston Villa in the Premier League.

LONDON:

Chelsea’s pain at losing their Premier League title to Manchester United was compounded by Steven Taylor’s added-time header that secured a 2-2 draw for Newcastle.

This result threw open the race for second place and ensured Chelsea, who finish the season away to Everton next weekend, failed to end their home campaign on a high.

Blues manager Carlo Ancelotti had earlier, urged his side to bounce back after the disappointment of losing their title to United.

Arsenal undone by Bent

Arsenal were jeered off the pitch at the end of their final home game after Darren Bent’s double earned a 2-1 victory for Aston Villa.

The hosts were dealt a blow before kick-off when captain Cesc Fabregas was ruled out with a thigh injury and Samir Nasri was also sidelined due to a hamstring complaint.

The Gunners had pulled
a goal back through Robin van Persie but defeat opens the door for Manchester City to finish above them.

Spurs sink Reds

Meanwhile, Tottenham are within touching distance of qualifying for the Europa League after moving above Liverpool with a 2-0 win at Anfield.

It was meant to be a day of celebration for the Reds after Kenny Dalglish signed a new three-year deal to become permanent manager of Liverpool. But Tottenham scored goals in either half, with Luka Modric’s penalty sealing the win.

In the other matches, Fulham claimed a 2-0 victory over Birmingham while West Ham squandered a two-goal lead to allow Wigan Athletic to pull off a 3-2 victory.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 16^th, 2011.