Freakish own goal. Must watch !!
english premier league, EPL, Fa Cup, middlesbrough vs sheffiled utdPopularity: 6% [?]
David Unsworth ’s penalty was probably his most important strike for Wigan as they held on for a dramatic 2-1 win over Sheffield United at Bramall Lane yesterday.
That result coupled with West Ham 1-0 win against champion Manchester United, confirmed Sheffield United as the third team to be relegated on the final day of the season.
The Blades might have started the final day in the strongest position of all three threatened teams. But after their topsy turvy campaign, it was almost inevitable there would be one final vicious twist.
But what everyone could surely have not counted upon was the unlikely surge back towards safety of the Hammers, and Carlos Tevez almost single handedly completed West Ham’s miraculous recovery after his strike earned a vital win at Old Trafford.
For Wigan, it must have been one of the greatest escape, as with the Hammers winning, they must win at all cost to ensure their safety. And even though Lee McCulloch was sent off for a second yellow card in the 75th minute, Wigan held on a tense finish to ensure their Premiership participation next season.
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With the final match looming on the 13 May, three teams battle for survival will go down to the wire after yesterday match saw Charlton Athletic lost 2-0 to Tottenham and became the second team to be relegated after Watford
To add spice to it, both Sheff Utd and Wigan will meet each other at Bramall Lane this Sunday in what could be their most important match of the season.
West Ham
The Hammers have their future in their own hands and know that a point at Old Trafford will guarantee safety. However, the new champions will want to end the season on a high and even a resurgent West Ham will struggle to take anything away from Old Trafford. But, Man Utd might probably rest some of their main players as they just played Chelsea on Wednesday and would want to be fresh for the FA Cup final. Alan Curbishley’s side also know that if Wigan fail to beat Sheffield at Bramall Lane, West Ham and Sheffield Utd will be safe.
Sheffield Utd vs Wigan
Sheffield Utd may probably have the easiest task in hand as they are playing at home, but in football, you can never take anything for granted. Wigan Athletic is not Chelsea but a brilliant free kick, a goalkeeper error or an own goal would cost Sheffield Utd the premiership next season and they won’t take that risk . A draw would be enough for Sheffield but if both Wigan and West Ham win, Sheffield will be relegated.
Wigan, on the other hand, is in a must win position and ‘must’ hope that West Ham will not secure victory or even a draw at Old Trafford. If that really happen, a Wigan win at Bramall Lane will sent West Ham down on goal difference and secure the safety of both the Latics and the Blades.
Of course there’s also the complexity of West Ham being sued and a whole new confusion to it. If West Ham had been deducted points, one of these clubs would have had an incredible lucky escape from the failure to win enough points. And we don’t wanna discuss that just yet, let’s just enjoy this weekend relegation dogfight first.
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Arsenal kept alive their hope of finishing third with a 3-1 win over Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium.
Manchester United extend their gap to 6 points, at least for another 24 hours after beating Sheffield United 2-0 at Old Trafford. Goals from Michael Carrick and Wayne Rooney were enough to see off a spirited Sheffield United and grab three more precious points for the league leaders.
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