blog.great-save.com

By Danny Wright

Manchester United took a step closer to retaining their Premier League crown with a vital 2-1 win over Arsenal in an entertaining game at Old Trafford. The result effectively knows the Gunners out of the title race, but they very much in the hunt when Emmanuel Adebayor bundled the ball home with his arm after missing a glorious chance in the first half. William Gallas managed to squander the lead though when he handled, and Cristiano Ronaldo scored a retaken penalty.

The momentum was well and truly with United now, and their hero was an unlikely one, Own Hargreaves bending home a terrific free-kick to break Arsenal hearts. Chelsea are the only side who can challenge Sir Alex’s men now, and the Blues take on Wigan on Monday night.

Liverpool tightened their grip on fourth place with a convincing 3-1 win over Intertoto hopefuls Blackburn. The home side brushed off board-room wrangles to take the lead through Steven Gerrard with Fernando Torres’ 30th of the season effectively ending the tie. Andriy Voronin slid home the third and Roque Santa Cruz scored a 90th minute consolation.

Everton lost ground on their city rivals, drawing 1-1 at relegation threatened Birmingham; Joleon Lescott headed Everton in front against the run of play, only for Argentine hot-shot Mauro Zarate to curl home a beautiful free-kick.

Despite the point, Alex McLeish’s men remain in trouble as Bolton and Fulham both picked up surprise wins to keep their survival hopes alive. First, Bolton beat West Ham 1-0 thanks to Kevin Davies’ close range effort, meanwhile Fulham won their first away game for 33 matches by beating Reading 2-0 at the Madejski.

Sunderland remain in relative safety despite a 2-1 home defeat at the hands of Manchester City, who took the lead through Elano’s penalty. The Black Cats equalised thanks to Dean Whitehead’s volleyed effort, but Darius Vassell embarrassed Craig Gordon with a last minute scuffed winner.

Tottenham were held by Middlesborough at White Hart Lane, 1-1 the final score and Aston Villa kept their faint UEFA Cup hopes alive by thrashing Derby 6-0 at Pride Park. The Mail on Sunday reports today that manager Jaunde Ramos is eyeing up Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor for next season in a £5m move.

Roy Carroll endured a nightmare as three goals from Ashley Young, John Carew and Stiliyan Petrov were leaked, and Gareth Barry, Gabby Agbonlahor and Marlon Harewood doubled the advantage after the break. Portsmouth’s UEFA Cup hopes were dented by in form Newcastle, who drew with the FA Cup finalists 0-0 at Fratton Park in a dull encounter.