Translate

Search This Blog

Friday, April 24, 2009

Man united back on top as Chelsea challenge fades

Everton's Joao Alves defends against Chelsea's Michael
 Ballack during their Premiership football match 
at Stamford Bridge in London

LONDON Manchester United tightened the screw in the Premier League title race with a 2-0 win over Portsmouth as Chelsea were held to a 0-0 home draw by Everton on Wednesday.Wayne Rooney's early strike and a late goal from Michael Carrick sent below-par United back to the top spot ahead of Liverpool, three points clear with a game in hand.United have 74 points with six matches left and Liverpool, who drew 4-4 at home to Arsenal on Tuesday, have 71 with five games remaining. Chelsea are on 68 having played a game more than Alex Ferguson's side.After sitting out United's penalty shootout defeat by Everton in the FA Cup semi-final on Sunday, Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo returned for United as they set about seizing control of the league and they were given the perfect start.Anderson released Ryan Giggs down the left after nine minutes and the veteran winger, as he has done throughout his career, picked the perfect pass to allow Rooney the simplest of finishes.John O'Shea and Giggs both missed chances to stretch the lead before halftime against an unadventurous Portsmouth side who created little threat.

No comments:

Post a Comment