Football: Last-gasp City remain in title race

Survive Sunderland scare at home, move two points behind United.

MANCHESTER:

Manchester City’s challenge for the Premier League title suffered a setback as they were forced to stage a late fightback just to salvage a 3-3 draw against Sunderland.

With leaders Manchester United not in action until tomorrow’s trip to Blackburn, Roberto Mancini’s side would have returned to the top of the table on goal difference if they had beaten the Black Cats.

But City, who had won their previous 20 home league games to set a Premier League record, are now two points behind United and that gap will extend to five if the champions win at Ewood Park.

City, on a run of only one win in four league matches, fell behind to Sweden midfielder Sebastian Larsson’s cool finish in the 31st minute. Mancini’s men equalised two minutes before half-time when referee Phil Dowd harshly awarded a penalty for Craig Gardner’s challenge on Edin Dzeko.

Mario Balotelli stroked home the spot-kick, yet City were behind again moments later as on-loan Arsenal forward Nicklas Bendtner headed in Stephane Sessegnon’s cross. Larsson added the third goal as he fired Sessegnon’s pass beyond Joe Hart in the 55th minute.

But, to their credit, City kept going and Balotelli struck again in the 85th minute before Aleksandar Kolarov hit the equaliser moments later.

Chelsea thrash Villa

Chelsea kept their top-four bid alive with a 4-2 win over Aston Villa as the home faithful paid tribute to stricken captain Stiliyan Petrov.

Chelsea made the perfect start when Daniel Sturridge slotted home in the ninth minute and Serbian defender Branislav Ivanovic doubled their lead with a 51st-minute goal. Villa looked to have snatched a point when James Collins struck in the 77th minute header and Eric Lichaj equalised three minutes later.

But Ivanovic restored Chelsea’s lead in the 83rd minute and Fernando Torres’ late strike ensured the Blues  moved within two points of fourth-placed Tottenham, with his first league goal since September.

Meanwhile, struggling QPR ended Arsenal’s run of seven successive league wins with a shock 2-1 victory at Loftus Road.

Bolton sealed a crucial 3-2 win over relegation rivals Wolves at Molineux. Wigan’s bid for another great escape continued with a 2-0 win against Stoke at the DW Stadium. Everton climbed above rivals Liverpool into eighth place with a 2-0 win over West Bromwich Albion at Goodison Park. Meanwhile, Fulham beat Norwich 2-1 at Craven Cottage.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 1^st, 2012.