Blackburn 0 - 0 West Brom

Tony Mowbray and his West Bromwich team sadly said goodbye to the Premier League for at least a season as Tugay took his leave to a rapturous reception from the Blackburn fans who have made him a favourite for the past eight years.

It was just one campaign up again in the top flight for manager Mowbray and his men and he hopes they can bounce straight back up.

But he insisted after this goalless draw against opponents who finished with 10 men following the sending-off of Jason Roberts that nothing was guaranteed, particularly with Newcastle and Middlesbrough joining them in the Championship.

Mowbray claimed this rather dull finale told some of the story of Albion’s season — but not all of it. ‘It’s frustrating because we can dominate games with the ball, but it’s not necessarily the story of our season because we did not concede a goal today and we have conceded more than anybody,’ said Mowbray.

‘We have got to go into next season believing we can bounce back. I believe we will be the best side most weeks, but that doesn’t guarantee winning matches. We’re all going to wait to see what Newcastle and Middlesbrough are going to do because they have been in the Premier League for a long time.’

The visitors were certainly closer to a breakthrough goal with Chris Brunt seeing a power drive turned on to a post. But Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce felt his side could have gone on to win but for the red card shown to substitute Roberts by referee Mike Jones after 70 minutes.

‘It’s sad that I’m talking about that rather than Tugay’s performance or a goal,’ said Allardyce. ‘The referee has said he has sent him off for punching Jonas Olsson, but it’s not pushing or elbowing. It’s swinging the arm to get Olsson away from him.’

Tugay, the 38-year-old Turkish midfielder, retires with the gratitude and admiration of everyone at Blackburn.

‘To be a Premier League player at the age of 38 takes more than ability. He knows where to ply his trade correctly and at the right time,’ said Allardyce.
Sent off: Jason Roberts

Although Tugay is keen to go into coaching, Allardyce made it clear he would have to wait for a job at Blackburn.

‘I don’t know what role he could perform because he has no qualifications at the moment.’

Fulham 0 - 2 Everton

Two goals from Leon Osman could not destroy the mood as Roy Hodgson clinched seventh place and hailed it one of the proudest moments in a 33-year coaching career.

Tears may have flowed on the Tyne and the Tees but it was champagne all round on the banks of the Thames as Fulham qualified for the Europa League despite Everton’s first win at Craven Cottage since 1966.

Tottenham’s defeat at Liverpool confirmed Fulham’s highest ever top-flight finish, not to mention the small matter of £10.64million in prize-money.

‘This rates very highly for me,’ confessed Hodgson, who has won titles in Sweden and Denmark, reached the UEFA Cup final with Inter Milan and led Switzerland to Euro 96.

‘I’ve had a long career and been very lucky. I’ve had quite a few honours come my way. I can look back on many years with pride but I will remember this as one of my very best.

The game drifted occasionally into the realms of a pre-season kickabout and the biggest surprise was that Phil Neville and Steven Pienaar had managed to pick up niggles which will have to be carefully monitored as the week unfolds.

Louis Saha, however, is one player who has discovered full form and fitness in time for Wembley and a summer holiday. He climbed above Aaron Hughes to plant an excellent header against the bar in the third minute and forced a superb fingertip save from Mark Schwarzer in the second half.

But it was Osman who displayed the killer instinct, striking in the closing minutes of each half.

His first was a fine example of Everton’s perpetual movement, with the brilliant Pienaar jinking in from the left and threading a neat pass through Fulham’s back four. Osman darted in from the right, taking care not to stray offside, took the ball in his stride, side-stepped Schwarzer and rolled it into the empty net.

Hodgson’s team enjoyed good spells of possession but rarely looked like pulling level. Bobby Zamora came off the bench to squander two clear chances with trademark inaccuracy and Tony Hibbert cleared off the line from Clint Dempsey in stoppage time.

Osman had already scored his second, two minutes from time, with a beautiful curling left-footer beyond Schwarzer’s dive. It was not enough to spoil the party at Craven Cottage.

‘We’re all going on a European tour,’ sang the home fans, although it will be interesting to see how many of them will be turning up for a tedious group game on a rainy Thursday in November.

Fulham’s only other European campaign, in 2002-03, started in the InterToto Cup on July 6 against FC Haka and consisted of 14 games before they went out to Hertha Berlin in the UEFA Cup third round.

This year, Hodgson has ordered his players back for training on July 1. He will turn his attention to ‘bolstering’ his squad and keeping defender Brede Hangeland from the clutches of Arsenal.

‘We will do everything in our power to keep him,’ said the Fulham boss. ‘But our power sometimes can’t be compared to the power of other clubs.’

Liverpool 3 - 1 Tottenham Hotspurs

He has made his reputation as one of the hardest defenders around, an old-fashioned stopper hewn from granite, but Sami Hyypia could not hold back the tears when the realisation hit him at Anfield yesterday.

A shrill blast of referee Peter Walton's whistle marked the moment his Liverpool days came to an end and, as he paused before heading down the tunnel one last time, it all became too much for a player who has taken countless knocks without flinching in the 10 years since signing from Willem II for just £2.5million.

Double act: Steven Gerrard races to congratulate Fernando Torres after the Spaniard's 14th league goal of the season

Physical discomfort has never been a problem for the 35-year old Finn, but the wrench of cutting his Anfield ties, ahead of embarking on a new adventure with Bayer Leverkusen, was a different matter as he briefly stood alone near the centre circle, dabbing away tears with his shirt sleeves.

Eager to spare his blushes, his team-mates moved in to mob him before keeper Pepe Reina hoisted him shoulder-high and carried him off to rapturous cheers from fans who had grown impatient for a final glimpse of their favourite.

Not only had Rafa Benitez denied him a starting place, the Liverpool manager kept him on the bench for 4 minutes before finally bowing to pressure from fans who repeatedly chanted: 'Sami, Sami, on, on, on.'

Benitez redeemed himself by choosing Steven Gerrard to make way, allowing the Liverpool skipper to wrap the captain's armband round Hyypia's bicep as they exchanged high fives, and he remained unrepentant over limiting the veteran centre back's farewell appearance to six minutes.

'I just felt it would be more special for the fans to see him for the last few minutes, and it was so nearly a fantastic finale,' he said, referring to an injury-time Hyypia header that was blocked on the line by keeper Heurelho Gomes. 'I was pleased to see him get a reception like that, but I feel sad to be losing such an outstanding professional.

'It was always the plan that Stevie should come off, so Sami could wear the armband, and I knew I couldn't leave it any longer because the fans were pushing and pushing.'

It might not quite qualify as one of Benitez's famous facts, but it remains a fairly safe bet that Liverpool would have pushed Manchester United even closer for the title but for Fernando Torres missing most of October and all of December through injury. Liverpool's record signing provided another reminder of the cutting edge that was sorely missed in his absence as he transferred Liverpool's dominance on to the scoresheet with a 31st-minute breakthrough.

Tottenham's defence left him unmarked, and the inevitable response followed as the £21m marksman planted a six-yard header in off the bar from Dirk Kuyt's cross for his 17th goal of an injury-shortened campaign.

Liverpool doubled their lead with a 64th-minute shot from Kuyt that looked to be drifting wide until Alan Hutton's outstretched leg diverted it past Gomes.

They were found as wanting defensively as Spurs had been in the 77th minute, though, as Robbie Keane marked his Anfield return by controlling a long through-ball before firing past Reina.

The former Liverpool striker, sold back to Tottenham after barely half a season at Anfield, chose not to celebrate and was applauded for his show of good grace.

Perhaps he sensed it was little more than a consolation goal, given a degree of Liverpool supremacy that was duly rewarded in the 81st minute, when Yossi Benayoun held off a half-hearted challenge from Ledley King and rolled a shot under the advancing Gomes.

Benitez was in no mood for giving away transfer secrets but his response to continuing reports of interest from Real Madrid in Xabi Alonso hardly dispelled growing fears that the Spain midfielder may be sacrificed to help fund Liverpool's summer spending plans.

Asked if Alonso will still be a Liverpool player at the start of next season, he said: 'Xabi still has three years left on his contract and is not for sale. I had a private conversation with his agent during the week, and it is interesting to see how some people have interpreted that.'

Sunderland 2-3 Chelsea

Nicolas Anelka is congratulated by Jose Bosingwa after his 19th league goal of the season, with the Frenchman netting the golden boot.

Sunderland survived a nervy final afternoon of the season and was defeated 3-2 by visitors Chelsea.

While rivals Newcastle and Middlesbrough were experiencing the trauma of relegation, Sunderland were succumbing to defeat in Guus Hiddink's final match as manager of Chelsea.

But results elsewhere meant it was not a costly loss, and events elsewhere ensured these two sides will meet again next season.

Substitute Salomon Kalou and England defender Ashley Cole struck inside the final 16 minutes to ensure the three points left Wearside with the visitors, despite Kenwyne Jones' 90th-minute header.

Kieran Richardson had earlier dragged the home side back into the game with a 53rd-minute strike, six minutes after Nicolas Anelka had claimed his 25th goal of the season with a 25-yard rocket.

A crowd of 42,468 left the ground happy for very different reasons, with the victors looking to next Saturday's FA Cup final clash with Everton and their hosts anticipating the watching Ellis Short's buy-out.

After a week during which the strength of the teams Chelsea and Manchester United might field had been a regular topic of debate, no-one could have any complaints about Guus Hiddink's response.

Seven days before the FA Cup final, he left out only Alex and Frank Lampard, and an early injury to Juliano Belletti meant Michael Ballack also got a run-out on his return from a hamstring injury.

It was a measure of what was at stake on a tense final afternoon of the season that the biggest cheer of the first half had nothing to do with what was happening at the Stadium of Light.

With 38 minutes gone on Wearside, the news filtered through that Aston Villa had taken the lead against Newcastle, and the resulting celebrations among the fans decked out in red and white were as much in relief as at the misery of their black and white neighbours.

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech got away with an unconvincing punch early on as he and Jones jumped for a Danny Collins cross.

He also saw a well-struck Grant Leadbitter shot fly well wide with 24 minutes gone as the home side worked hard to limit their opponents.

Chelsea's best moments came at either end of the half with Didier Drogba and Florent Malouda causing the problems.

The Ivory Coast striker chipped an eighth-minute shot just over the rapidly back-pedalling Martin Fulop, and then forced the Hungarian into a solid save from a tight angle three minutes later.

Fulop had to be at his best in stoppage-time when Drogba turned smartly on the edge of the box and curled a shot towards the bottom corner, where the goalkeeper just got his fingertips to the ball.

The woodwork denied the visitors deep into added time when Malouda crashed a dipping left-footed drive against the bar with Fulop beaten.

However, there was nothing Fulop or anyone or anything else could do to prevent Chelsea from taking the lead two minutes after the restart.

Anelka, who had endured a quiet opening 45 minutes by his standards, took it upon himself to light up the game with a piece of individual brilliance.

He picked up the ball around 35 yards out and made ground before unleashing a piledriver which was too good for Fulop's despairing dive and screamed into the top corner.

But Sunderland refused to accept that was game over, and they were back on level terms within six minutes.

The industrious Leadbitter battled hard for the opportunity to cross from the left, and when Cech spilled the ball under pressure from Jones, Richardson pounced to smash the rebound home.

Fulop had to be on his toes to keep out Ballack's near-post flick from a 57th-minute Malouda corner, but the home fans were starting to relax as the nightmare scenario receded.

Sunderland enjoyed their best spell of the game as they started to play with a freedom which had been lacking in recent weeks, and they very nearly took the lead with 19 minutes remaining.

Steed Malbranque broke from his own half and exchanged passes with the supporting Calum Davenport, only for John Terry to intervene before the Frenchman could pull the trigger.

But it was Kalou, who had earlier replaced Michael Essien, who made it 2-1 three minutes later when he drilled an unstoppable shot inside the post to beat Fulop.

Sunderland continued to battle gamely, with Phil Bardsley forcing another save from Cech with a long-range 83rd-minute attempt, but it was Cole who wrapped things up four minutes from time with a volleyed finish from the edge of the box.

Jones' 90th-minute header ensured a tense finale, but there was no way back for the Wearsiders.

West Ham 2-1 Middlesbrough

That sinking feeling: Boro players see their slim hopes of survival diminish fuirther as Carlton Cole opens the scoring

Middlesbrough's relegation was confirmed after Brad Jones' blunder gave West Ham a 2-1 win.

Gareth Southgate's men needed a big victory and for results to go their way but they failed to do their part, with Junior Stanislas' weak shot sneaking past Jones for the winner at Upton Park.

Carlton Cole had given the Hammers a first-half lead but Boro were given encouragement when Gary O'Neil levelled and their relegation rivals were losing.

After Stanislas struck there was a resigned attitude to Boro as their fate was sealed.

Boro's stint in the top flight lasted 11 years and included a League Cup win and a UEFA Cup final appearance - but now they are heading for tricky away fixtures at the likes of Doncaster, Blackpool and Scunthorpe.

Southgate has been undermined by a lack of goals from Brazilian flop Afonso Alves, who missed this clash through injury along with England winger Stewart Downing.

Without them, the odds were stacked against Boro winning and getting the five-goal swing they needed to overtake Hull.

The focus will now be on whether Southgate will remain as manager and whether players such as David Wheater, Downing and Tuncay Sanli will have to be sold.

Southgate is considered one of England's brightest managerial prospects but this season has not found the goals or away points required to get out of trouble.

This match summed up their problems. Southgate's young players are promising but they lacked the cutting edge needed.

Adam Johnson wasted their first opportunity, blazing over when he was given time and room at the far post. Had that gone in, Boro may have been on course for the big win they needed.

When the ball broke in the penalty area after Robert Huth challenged Hammers goalkeeper Robert Green it fell to the wrong person, with Wheater hooking it over the crossbar.

The Hammers were far more dangerous in front of goal, and Stanislas had struck the crossbar early on from 25 yards after Boro defenders jumped out of tackles.

The opener came in the 33rd minute. Luis Boa Morte held the ball up and played Herita Ilunga down the left.

The full-back's cross went between Justin Hoyte and Huth, then Cole sent the ball back in the direction it came - between the two defenders but this time into the corner of the net.

Favourable scorelines were filtering through but Boro were not putting up a fight. Something had to give so Southgate took off Tony McMahon and Julio Arca at the break, with Josh Walker and Joe Bennett coming on.

Boro were level within five minutes of the restart.

Tuncay wriggled his way into the area but resisted the temptation to shoot, instead offloading to O'Neil who found the bottom corner with an angled drive.

Parity lasted eight minutes thanks to Stanislas. Jack Collison had retrieved a lost situation with his endeavour, then got the ball back and found Stanislas 25 yards out.

The youngster was encouraged to shoot from the crowd and by Boro's defenders backing away, with his shot lacking power but squirming past Boro goalkeeper Jones.

It was a howler from Jones and he was determined to make up for it when he dived at the feet of substitute Kieron Dyer to prevent a third goal.

The Hammers went in search of another, while Boro moved centre-back Wheater up front without reward.

Wigan 1-0 Portsmouth

Chairman Dave Whelan may have been a little premature in raising the possibility of redistributing some of the Premier League's millions to allow Wigan fans in for free next season - many more displays like this and the locals will be happy to pay more to watch Steve Bruce's effervescent team.

If ever a side were hammered by a single goal, then it was Portsmouth, who were outclassed by a sparkling display from the hosts, whose only failing was that they did not reward their dominance with a glut of goals as they finished in 11th place.
Hugo Rodallega.

Hugo Rodallega scored the only goal of the game as Wigan ensured a winning end to their season

Bruce said: 'It's a terrific finish if you consider the size of some of the clubs who've been relegated.'

The hosts settled for just the one goal, after 27 minutes, rolled into an empty net from two yards by Hugo Rodallega for his third goal of the season. Sol Campbell, making his final appearance before leaving Fratton Park, failed to cut out a low cross from Charles N'Zogbia.

Rodallega should have scored more, but was one of several Wigan players thwarted by Portsmouth keeper Asmir Begovic.

It proved a fruitless return for Wigan-born Portsmouth manager Paul Hart, his task already complete having kept the south coast club up. 'I've been asked where this ranks among my achievements as a manager,' he said. 'If you look at my c.v. there aren't that many achievements anyway.'

Aston Villa 1-0 Newcastle

Down Toon: Gareth Barry's shot is going wide, until a wicked deflection off Damien Duff (right) beats Steve Harper

Newcastle's 16-year spell in the top flight came to an end as Damien Duff's own goal doomed them to defeat at Aston Villa.

Duff deflected a 38th-minute shot from stand-in skipper Gareth Barry past his own goalkeeper Steve Harper to seal their fate.

It meant Magpies legend Alan Shearer had failed to work the miracle he was brought in to try and achieve with eight games remaining.

Newcastle have paid the price for a season of instability ever since Kevin Keegan decided to quit as manager in early September and Mike Ashley decided to put the club up for sale.

Joe Kinnear was brought in to try and rescue the situation until his heart problems terminated his involvement and led to Shearer getting the call.

But it was always going to be an uphill task to reverse a season of under-achievement and turmoil in such a short space of time.

Now Shearer has to decide whether he wants to take on the task of trying to help the Magpies regain their top flight status and is due to have talks with Ashley early next week.

He clearly has a massive rebuilding job ahead of them with the future of 15 players, reportedly on £50,000 or more a week, to be sorted out ahead of the less glamorous life of trips to Peterborough and Scunthorpe in the Coca-Cola Championship.

For Villa they can look back on another season of progression despite a late fade-out after automatically qualifying for Europe for the first time in 11 years.

But Martin O'Neill will need to add further quality and quantity to his squad in the summer if he is to seriously challenge for a Champions League place.

Before the kick-off Villa fans gave an emotional send-off to skipper and central defender Martin Laursen, who has been forced to retire because of a knee problem.

Gabriel Agbonlahor came close to giving Villa the lead after only two minutes when he powered a header over the bar from close range following a left-wing centre by Barry.

Villa dominated the early stages and knocked the ball around in confident style - but Brad Friedel was called upon to make the first meaningful save when he deflected a low drive from Duff around the post after he appeared to be initially unsighted.

Villa defender Carlos Cuellar then came to his side's rescue when he blocked a shot on the turn from Peter Lovenkrands on the line.

Obafemi Martins volleyed powerfully over the bar from 12 yards out after good play by Mark Viduka, before Harper reacted quickly to turn over a powerful drive from Craig Gardner.

Newcastle defender Steven Taylor became the first player to be yellow carded after 34 minutes for bringing down Agbonlahor 30 yards out.

Milner's free-kick went straight through the defensive wall but Harper was alert to the situation and able to save at the foot of a post.

The decisive goal came after Nicky Butt conceded a corner, appearing to indicate Harper had not given him a call.

The danger appeared to have been averted when Taylor headed out Ashley Young's centre - but Stiliyan Petrov headed the ball back to Barry, whose fierce shot struck Duff and completely wrong-footed Harper before finding the corner of the net.

Agbonlahor nearly doubled Villa's lead when his flick from John Carew's centre flew just wide of the far post - but Martins almost levelled in injury-time when he headed wide from Butt's free-kick.

Villa began the second half on the attack and Harper was forced to fingertip away an inswinging and powerfully driven corner from Young at full stretch.

Young took advantage of the Newcastle defence backing off to line up a shot from 20 yards out but he curled his effort past the post.

Harper was relieved when Milner dragged his low shot wide when unmarked 20 yards out as the Newcastle defence were prised open with ease.

Newcastle fans chanted "attack, attack, attack" but there was little evidence of their side threatening the Villa goal.

Shearer brought on leading scorer Michael Owen - who has been struggling with a groin injury - in place of Kevin Nolan after 66 minutes.

But Carew should have sealed Newcastle's fate when he miskicked with the goal at his mercy from an Agbonlahor centre.

David Edgar was sent off in injury-time for bringing down Ashley Young - his second bookable offence - and soon after the Magpies' fate was sealed.

Hull 0-1 Manchester United

Tigers together: Hull City display a moment of unity prior to kick off

Hull escaped relegation by the skin of their teeth despite slumping to defeat to an under-strength Manchester United.

Darron Gibson fired the only goal of a tense Barclays Premier League encounter at the KC Stadium with a stunning strike midway through the first half.

Yet with Newcastle losing at Aston Villa, the Tigers just managed to limp over the line to safety with 35 points.

United made 10 changes as Sir Alex Ferguson rested his biggest names ahead of the Champions League final on Wednesday but the final score meant there could be no complaints.

Their starting XI had an average age of just 23, a figure boosted by the return of veteran club captain Gary Neville, 34.

England defender Rio Ferdinand, hoping to prove his fitness to face Barcelona in Rome after a calf injury, failed to make the team.

Hull started brightly by winning two early corners and a long ball from Michael Turner put Craig Fagan in on goal but the forward could not control and Tomasz Kuszczak gathered.

Geovanni then broke clear down the left twice in quick succession but the Brazilian's first cross just evaded Fagan and Kuszczak punched his second clear.

Nani had United's first serious attempt from a free-kick 30 yards out but Boaz Myhill was not troubled.

Hull were almost caught on the counter-attack when a vicious low cross from Rafael da Silva almost found the onrushing Lee Martin.

United then struggled to clear a corner from Andy Dawson and the ball broke to Marney but his shot was easily saved by Kuszczak.

United stunned Hull by taking the lead in the 24th minute with a ferocious strike from Gibson.

The 21-year-old let fly from 25 yards with a powerful shot across goal that flew past Myhill into the top corner.

That goal put Hull into the bottom three, as things stood, and the Tigers needed to respond but Federico Macheda almost doubled their misery when he shot straight at Myhill.

United then began to dominate possession but Dawson did get forward to curl in a dangerous cross which Michael Turner headed over.

Hull were almost caught again after a strong run by Danny Welbeck but the 18-year-old striker dragged his shot wide.

Macheda then engineered another opportunity for himself but failed to hit the target and Hull had a chance when Geovanni blasted a free-kick over.

Geovanni then turned provider to tee up a shooting chance for Dawson but Kuszczak tipped over the left-back's piledriver.

The atmosphere intensified considerably before the break as news filtered through of goals being scored against relegation rivals Newcastle and Middlesbrough.

Hull had a good chance early in the second half when Kevin Kilbane's cross picked out Nick Barmby but the former England international failed to make firm contact and Kuszczak tipped wide.

Gibson tried his luck again from distance just before the hour but this time his effort sailed well over the bar.

Hull boss Phil Brown replaced the creative talents of Geovanni, his top scorer, with a target man in Caleb Folan but nerves were affecting the Tigers' play.

Hull failed to make the most of their possession with Richard Garcia letting himself down after a good break with a poor ball for Folan.

Gibson conceded a free-kick for handball on the edge of the area but Dawson curled his shot straight at Kuszczak.

United countered and Macheda again had a chance to double the lead but shot wide.

Fagan attempted a spectacular volley after a long Sam Ricketts throw into the area but was well off target.

Turner got his head to another Ricketts throw but his looping effort was clawed out from under the bar by Kuszczak.

The closing minutes were tense with City trailing but knowing a goal for Newcastle at Villa Park could relegate them.

Nani almost put them further behind with a powerful shot four minutes from time but Myhill pushed the ball wide.

Hull struggled to get the ball in injury time and they had a nervous few seconds' wait after the final whistle before their survival was confirmed.

Many fans invaded the pitch when the news was confirmed despite the efforts of police to contain them.

MU claimed their 3rd successive BPL title

United captain Gary Neville leads the celebrations

Manchester United claimed their third successive Barclays Premier League title today after a goalless draw with Arsenal at Old Trafford. Sir Alex Ferguson's side needed only a point to seal the trophy in the day's lunchtime kick-off and a steady if unspectacular performance delivered just that, making it 11 Premier League crowns in total for the Scot and 18 top-flight titles for the club overall.

United were rarely troubled by an improved Arsenal side, for whom Andrey Arshavin looked lively and Robin van Persie went close late on.

But the hosts held firm at the back and finished the job to move seven points clear of Liverpool, who travel to West Brom tomorrow but can no longer catch Ferguson's team.

Squad the key to United success

When the in-depth analysis of Manchester United's latest title success is done the conclusion will be much the same.

United won their 18th championship because their squad was far superior.

It is a fairly obvious statement. Nevertheless, it is one other clubs must take heed of.

In the same way Arsenal and then Chelsea raised the Premier League bar with their flying starts, so United have nudged it slightly further skywards by amassing more quality than any other squad in English football history, and quite possibly Europe too.

How else could United come within one FA Cup semi-final shoot-out defeat to Everton of completing a full season, with not a round missed in every competition they entered?

Cristiano Ronaldo might not agree with the way Ferguson makes his substitutions and Carlos Tevez is not always so keen on the choices his manager makes when the Red Devils teams are picked.

But from a detached viewpoint, Ferguson has assembled two complete teams that are almost impossible to differentiate from each other. No longer does the term 'first-choice side' apply.

True, there are some; Ronaldo, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra and Edwin van der Sar, who would definitely command a place in the biggest games.

How though do you choose between Rafael, Gary Neville, John O'Shea and the currently injured Wes Brown to complete the defence?

Where do you even begin to start picking between the competing talents of Michael Carrick, Anderson, Paul Scholes, Park Ji-Sung and Darren Fletcher in central midfield, not to mention the more sparingly-used PFA Player of the Year Ryan Giggs? And don't forget Owen Hargreaves, who is hoping to be fit and raring to go by next August.

Then up front, Ferguson can select just two, and on occasion only one, of Carlos Tevez, Dimitar Berbatov and Wayne Rooney.

The antics of Ronaldo and Tevez during the derby win against Manchester City might have been the first signal of cracks in Ferguson's delicate strategy beginning to appear.

After all, though the 1999 treble-winning strike force of Andy Cole, Dwight Yorke, Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is often hailed as the perfect example of squad rotation, in the years afterwards, when Cole and Yorke suddenly found themselves on the bench, it very quickly broke up.

However, the template is now in place.

If Ronaldo and Tevez do move on, replacements will come in. Franck Ribery has already been spoken of as a potential big-money recruit from Bayern Munich. Wigan's Antonio Valencia has also been watched. And when Ferguson is assessing Tevez's contribution and whether to keep him, the emergence of Federico Macheda is bound to play some part in his thinking.

Indeed, it promises to be a big summer at Old Trafford.

Quite aside from the issues over the more sulky members of his squad, Ferguson realises the contributions of Van der Sar, Giggs, Scholes and Neville cannot be relied upon much longer.

That is not to say there will be a massive influx of new players, more added responsibility being given to the likes of Ben Foster, Anderson and Rafael, who have been groomed as replacements, plus a demand that Nani shows considerable improvement.

Ferguson himself will still be there. For how much longer though? How many more summers will the most successful manager Britain has ever known spend plotting the downfall of major rivals, or swatting away emerging ones?

These questions provide United's challengers with reason for optimism, reason to doubt an unprecedented fourth successive title - and what, to Liverpool's horror, would be a record-breaking 19th - will end up at Old Trafford.

Yet on Merseyside and in west and north London, the problems are greater.

Liverpool, for all the massive improvement made this season, still appear too heavily reliant on Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard, two brilliant footballers with questionable fitness records.

Ferguson felt Chelsea had gone beyond the age of improvement last term. They have not got any younger and major surgery is required for a new manager. Arsenal have talent but neither the experience, nor the depth.

They are major structural faults, immediate issues for messrs Benitez, Abramovich and Wenger to solve. In contrast, Ferguson's problems are fairly minor and centred around individuals, so many of whom have been moved on without affecting the success United enjoy.

True, if Tevez, or more importantly Ronaldo, left there would be a big hole. But it is not that long ago much the same was being said about Ruud van Nistelrooy and Roy Keane. Before that, Paul Ince and Mark Hughes.

Eric Cantona's legacy was immense but most of United's triumphs under Ferguson have been achieved without the talismanic Frenchman. And that is why Ferguson can allow himself a brief moment of relaxation, toasting another year of glory with a glass of his favourite red.

Newcastle 0-1 Fulham

Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer saves a shot from Newcastle United’s Obafemi Martins

Newcastle boss Alan Shearer found himself back in relegation trouble after Mark Viduka was controversially denied an equaliser.

Trailing 1-0 to Fulham as a result of Diomansy Kamara's 41st-minute strike, the Australian thought he had levelled five minutes after the break to give his side a lifeline.

However, referee Howard Webb harshly chalked off his effort for a foul by Kevin Nolan on keeper Mark Schwarzer to dump the Magpies, who played the last half-hour with 10 men after defender Sebastien Bassong had been sent off, back into the mire with just one game remaining in which to save themselves.

Newcastle, who had soon to be out of contract skipper Michael Owen missing with a groin injury in what might have been his final game for the club, went close 12 minutes from time, but Schwarzer pulled off a fine save to deny Obafemi Martins, who had earlier hit the post, and then kept out Nicky Butt's injury-time effort.

They now face a trip to Aston Villa next Sunday knowing even victory might not be enough if other results go against them and with their Premier League status hanging by a thread.

Tyneside was shrouded in dark clouds, both literally and figuratively, as the final whistle sounded and a crowd of 52,114 filed out not knowing whether they will return to watch top-flight football next season.

The euphoria of Monday night's 3-1 victory over derby rivals Middlesbrough, which dragged the club out of the bottom three, had quickly been put to one side with no-one in the Newcastle camp in any doubt the job was nowhere near done.

For much of the first half, Shearer's men looked the more likely to take the initiative, but when they left the pitch at the break, they were trailing and back in trouble.

It might have been so different had Martins' 15th-minute shot not come back off the post after he had played a neat one-two with Nolan, or had Viduka managed to hit the target when presented with a free header, albeit from distance, by Danny Guthrie's cross 10 minutes later.

However, Fulham, who arrived sitting in seventh place in the table and in with a real shout of securing a place in the Europa League, had not just come along for the ride, and served warning of their intent six minutes before the break.

Erik Nevland ran on to Kamara's clever back-heeled pass and curled a shot towards the far post, and keeper Steve Harper was delighted to see it drop inches wide as he flung himself across his line.

But the Magpies did not heed the warning, and they fell behind two minutes later in controversial circumstances.

Danny Murphy's pass found Nevland in acres of space on the right and with the home defence appealing in vain for an offside flag, he raced away before squaring for Kamara, who evaded Bassong and Steven Taylor on the line to fire into the roof of the net.

Former Magpie Aaron Hughes blocked a Jonas Gutierrez shot as Newcastle attempted to hit back immediately, but St James' was once again bathed in anxiety as the players left the pitch at half-time.

Shearer's players returned in determined mood and might have been back in it within two minutes when Martins volleyed a Guthrie cross towards goal, but could not hit the target.

However, they thought they had levelled with 50 minutes gone after Viduka twice got the better of his former Middlesbrough team-mate.

The striker saw his header from a Guthrie free-kick cleared off the line by Dickson Etuhu, but there was nothing anyone could do to keep out his header from the resulting corner with 50 minutes gone.

But the Australia international's joy turned to misery within seconds when Webb ruled Nolan had impeded Schwarzer on the line, although television replays suggested the decision was harsh with the keeper not even appealing.

Newcastle laid siege to the Fulham goal as they sensed the time had come, but they were wasteful in promising positions with Gutierrez particularly guilty.

However, disaster struck on the hour when central defender Bassong was sent off for hauling down Kamara 40 yards from goal, and the Frenchman could have few arguments.

Martins got in 12 minutes from time only to be denied by Schwarzer, and the keeper pulled off a superb injury-time to keep out Butt's effort

Stoke 2-0 Wigan

Goals from Ricardo Fuller and James Beattie ensured Stoke signed off in their final home match of the season with a 2-0 win over Wigan.

The match only sprang into life in the last 20 minutes when Fuller's persistence saw him evade three defenders to fire past Richard Kingson.

Beattie headed home Matt Etherington's cross in the 76th minute as the Potters clinched their 10th victory this season at the Britannia Stadium.

Wigan have now failed to win in 15 of their last 17 Barclays Premier League matches and the end of the season cannot come quick enough for them.

Part of the reason for that terrible run is their inability to score, with just nine league goals since the start of the year, and the problem reared its head again.

The Latics had the better of the first half but could not take their chances, whereas in Fuller and especially Beattie Stoke have strikers who score important goals.

Wigan carved out their first chance less than two minutes in when Hugo Rodallega headed a long punt forward into the path of Paul Scharner but his angled drive was straight at Thomas Sorensen.

Debutant Cho Won-hee's 13th-minute through-ball sent Scharner running into the penalty area but although the Austrian went down in a tussle with Abdoulaye Faye referee Lee Probert waved play on.

Stoke's first shooting opportunity fell to Glenn Whelan moments later but he screwed a long-range effort well wide.

Cho, who had enjoyed a gentle introduction, forced Sorensen to tip over his 19th-minute 30-yard shot at full stretch but the Korean's second effort from the resulting corner was embarrassingly high.

Rodallega, after scoring in his last two matches, was next to try his luck from distance but he too was well off target.

Nothing was going right for either side; exemplified when one of Rory Delap's trademark long throws ended up in the back of the net without anyone getting a touch on it just after the half hour.

Faye's back-header from Kingson's long kick sent Rodallega clear but his shot from the right of the area rolled harmlessly across the face of goal.

Untidy play was evident at the other end too as Fuller's poor touch in the penalty area took Beattie's low cross away from the on-rushing Liam Lawrence.

There was no change in the level of quality unfortunately as within six minutes of the restart Lee Cattermole miscontrolled Charles N'Zogbia's left-wing cross inside the six-yard area when it looked easier to score.

N'Zogbia was not exempt from criticism either. First he was guilty of wastefully crossing too near Sorensen after Rodallega had dispossessed Danny Pugh to set up a counter-attack.

The French winger then blazed over having run 30 yards with the ball after Wilkinson's slip on the halfway line.

Cho was replaced by Ben Watson in the 58th minute, just before substitute Pugh's swerving half-volley from a partially-cleared corner flew inches over the crossbar and Wigan left-back Maynor Figueroa drilled a left-footed shot narrowly wide.

When the breakthrough came in the 69th minute it was largely thanks to Fuller's persistence and Wigan's inability to clear their lines.

There appeared to be little danger when Lawrence played a high ball up to the striker, closely watched by three defenders.

Emmerson Boyce, Titus Bramble and Figueroa all had chances to tackle Fuller but he battled on and somehow had enough time to pick a spot high to Kingson's right.

Mido was sent on for midfielder Michael Brown as Steve Bruce reverted to 4-4-2 but before they had time to reorganise Wigan were 2-0 down in the 76th minute.

Delap's ball inside Mario Melchiot released Etherington down the left and as Kingson raced out he scooped a cross to the far post where Beattie headed home.

With the match won the game reverted to type but that did not bother the home faithful one bit as they are already looking forward to a second successive season in the top flight.

Tottenham 2-1 Manchester City

Tottenham skipper Robbie Keane grabbed a late winner against Manchester City to keep alive his side's hopes of a European place.

Jermain Defoe had opened the scoring at White Hart Lane, then was involved in a clash that led to one of the assistant referees being injured and replaced at half-time.

Valeri Bojinov equalised for City but Keane scored the winner from the penalty spot, meaning the race for seventh place in the Barclays Premier League will go to the wire.

By only conceding one goal, Spurs also established a new league club record for least goals conceded at home in a season - but it was the fact that they edged an action-packed encounter that really mattered.

After scoring the opener, Defoe was involved in the bizarre incident with the assistant referee on the stroke of half-time.

Nedum Onuoha challenged him on the touchline and as he rolled off the floor Defoe must have felt a touch. The England striker may have felt it was his opponent but it was actually assistant referee Trevor Massey, with Defoe instinctively flicking out.

It did not appear deliberate but Massey still required treatment and was replaced by Stuart Attwell at the interval.

Spurs should have sealed the points by then but Shay Given single-handedly kept his side in the match.

It was Keane who set up the first chance. Defoe had already had a strike ruled out for offside, then Keane slipped him the ball in the fourth minute. Defoe took a touch inside and curled an effort on target, with Given leaping to his left to keep out the effort.

Given's high standards means those type of saves are now expected of him, and he was down sharply again when Roman Pavlyuchenko tried his luck from 25 yards.

The Republic of Ireland stopper pulled another save out of the top drawer when Ledley King connected with Tom Huddlestone's corner, with a reflex stop required on the line.

Given was finally beaten, just before the half-hour mark, by Defoe's impish piece of skill.

Jermaine Jenas shifted the ball to Huddlestone on the right, the cross came over but was slightly behind Defoe, so the striker back-heeled on the volley beyond Given.

It was his first goal since a foot injury in January kept him out for 10 weeks, and City may have been disappointed that Elano was not taken off just before the goal.

The Brazilian was struggling with an eye complaint and was taken off for Pablo Zabaleta just after the opener.

There had been very little for Oasis singer Liam Gallagher to shout about from the stands, only a poked Martin Petrov effort, a finish that suggested he was a player short of confidence and a right foot.

Alan Hutton came on at the break for Jonathan Woodgate, meaning Spurs made a change as well as the officials.

Spurs had won their previous four home matches 1-0 and City were determined to break that sequence, with Micah Richards raiding down the right trying to make something happen.

Felipe Caicedo had sight of goal but his effort was sliced wildly and almost went for a throw.

City boss Mark Hughes responded by introducing Benjani and Bojinov for Petrov and Caicedo, on the hour mark.

Bojinov equalised in the 65th minute. Stephen Ireland chipped the ball into the penalty area, Benjani held off two defenders and Bojinov dipped his volleyed home when it broke for him.

Pavlyuchenko stabbed an effort horribly wide and was then taken off and headed straight down the tunnel, with Spurs boss Harry Redknapp appearing unimpressed with the Russian.

Spurs were awarded their penalty when Richards held Fraizer Campbell, with Keane tucking away the spot-kick.

Benjani missed a sitter for City in the dying moments.

Everton 3-1 West Ham

Louis Saha had a match to remember on the day his former club Manchester United secured the Barclays Premier League title.

The Frenchman scored a brace in a comfortable victory against 10-man West Ham at Goodison Park.

With Jo ineligible for the FA Cup final in two weeks, it was the ideal moment for Saha to stake a claim for a place at Wembley where they face Chelsea.

West Ham made the ideal start and Radoslav Kovac gave them the lead before Saha equalised with a penalty after Tim Cahill had been tripped by James Tomkins.

That resulted in Tomkins being sent off and the visitors imploded. Joseph Yobo put Everton ahead and Saha added a second.

Everton had the majority of possession in the first half only to find themselves chasing the game.

Everton’s Louis Saha scores his sides first goal of the game from the penalty spot

Saha dragged a shot wide of the post from the edge of the area after nine minutes having been set up by Steven Pienaar.

Then Pienaar strode forward and unleashed a powerful effort from 25 yards that went narrowly over the bar.

Leon Osman should have given Everton the lead in the 13th minute but screwed his shot wide of the post after Marouane Fellaini had flicked on a cross from Lars Jacobsen.

Everton’s Joseph Yobo (right) celebrates scoring his
sides second goal of the match with teammate Marouane Fellaini (left)

West Ham responded and Kovac split the defence to release Diego Tristan. He seemed surprised at the chance and goalkeeper Tim Howard was able to mop up.

Osman tested Robert Green with a delicate chip in the 19th minute before West Ham took the lead with a goal out of nothing in the 24th minute. Kovac delivered a stunning effort from distance that flew into the corner beyond Howard.

Czech Republic midfielder Kovac celebrated in style as it was his first goal for West Ham after arriving on loan from Spartak Moscow.

Gianfranco Zola's side were growing in confidence and Tristan clipped a shot wide of the post in the 28th minute.

However, the game took a dramatic turn in the 38th minute when West Ham were reduced to 10 men.

Tomkins tripped Cahill as he burst into the penalty area and was sent off.

West Ham were outraged but Saha kept cool. He stepped up and sent Green the wrong way with his spot-kick to take his tally for the season to six goals.

Everton took the lead in the 48th minute after some sloppy defending by the visitors.

Yobo was left unmarked at the back post as Pienaar swung in the corner and rifled a shot into the net, the ball taking a slight deflection off Matthew Upson.

Everton almost increased their lead two minutes later. Saha got on the end of Osman's cross but his header clipped substitute Jonathan Spector and came back off the post.

Then Saha skipped away from Lucas Neill in the 62nd minute, only to see his shot go wide of the post.

However West Ham suddenly launched two swift counter-attacks with Howard doing well to thwart Luis Boa Morte, then substitute Carlton Cole failed to get a decent touch in a good position.

Everton extended their lead in the 76th minute with Saha's second goal of the game. He scored from close range following a cross from Pienaar, who had shown good skill to skip to the byline.

Saha should have completed his hat-trick two minutes later but Green blocked his effort after he had been released by Cahill.

The Frenchman was then given a standing ovation when he was replaced by James Vaughan in the 79th minute as Everton rounded off their home games with a comfortable victory before going on a lap of honour.

Man United 0-0 Arsenal

Committed: Wayne Rooney, centre fights for the ball against Arsenal's Denilson

Manchester United were today crowned champions of England for a record-equalling 18th time at Old Trafford.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side might not have given Usain Bolt a goal to celebrate on his first visit to the Theatre of Dreams but the Premier League trophy will do as consolation after a goalless draw with Arsenal ensured Liverpool cannot now catch their north-west rivals.

After over three decades as the unquestioned kings of English football, the Merseysiders now have someone else to share the title with.

And, if Ferguson is to be believed it will not be long before the Anfield outfit lose it altogether.

While the first half ended with United still on course for the 11th league title of Ferguson's illustrious reign, Arsenal had every reason to be pleased with themselves.

After two dire displays that surrendered their Champions League semi-final with the Red Devils, plus a hammering on home soil by Chelsea, it was feared the Gunners would suffer yet another embarrassing mauling.

It surely could not be a coincidence that Andrey Arshavin's return from a combination of being cup-tied and contracting a flu bug coincided with Arsenal's return to form.

As Gunners fans search for reasons to be cheerful ahead of what will be another trophyless summer, the Russian playmaker is the main one.

Arshavin went on one mazy dribble from the left flank that would have opened United up totally had Jonny Evans not raced across to clear.

The former Zenit St Petersburg star was also the provider of a cross lone striker Robin van Persie might easily have steered into the net, rather than just over. However, the world's fastest man did not come to Old Trafford to watch Arsenal.

The hosts certainly started as if they meant business with Darren Fletcher almost sending Cristiano Ronaldo through inside the opening minute.

Yet, as time wore on, it seemed Ferguson's side were adopting a pragmatic approach to the situation, ensuring their goal was tight and secure, pushing forward in numbers only when really necessary.

The energy of Carlos Tevez helped in that regard. Sometimes it seems the South American is doing the work of two men. And, as the speculation over Tevez's future rumbles on, there is little doubt most United fans would want him signed permanently if at all possible.

It seems highly improbable though. And when he responded to his number 32 being flashed up as the man to be replaced by Park Ji-sung, the response, a little shake of the head and a two-handed wave to all four corners of the stadium, looked for all the world like a goodbye.

There has, of course, never been any discussion over Wayne Rooney. Had voting for the various player of the year awards been based on the last two or three months' form alone, Rooney would have been top of the pile.

The England striker has added an extra level of consistency to his game that truly deserves him now to be ranked if not at the very top of the game, then only just underneath.

Rooney stole in behind Bacary Sagna to head a teasing Michael Carrick cross wide after earlier having an effort deflected away by Kolo Toure.

On the brink of his 11th championship, Ryan Giggs curled a free-kick over and was then off target with a volley.

Ronaldo had an even better opportunity at the start of the second period after Tevez had failed to manage a shot after Carrick had supplied the cross, but did enough to nudge it into the Portugal superstar's path.

After offering his own sprinting guidance yesterday, Bolt must have thought Ronaldo would offer a fitting payment. Instead, he leant back and skied his shot into the Stretford End. In fairness, Bolt had chosen to come and watch his team on a rare day that they did not need to win.

For all the side issues surrounding Park's arrival, it suggested even less of an emphasis on attack, although Ronaldo did send one his trademark free-kicks whipping wide. It marked the end of United's attacking intent.

Fabregas and Van Persie had one last shot at spoiling the party. But with the trophy ready and the tickets sorted, it seemed a shame to stop it.

Sir Alex demands United keep Carlos Tevez

Sir Alex Ferguson last night watched Manchester United move within a point of another Barclays Premier League title after a dramatic victory at Wigan, then offered renewed hope that striker Carlos Tevez can be persuaded to stay at Old Trafford.

'He knows I want him to stay,' said the United manager last night, much to the delight of the club's fans.

Well heeled: Substitute Carlos Tevez celebrates his back-flick equaliser against Wigan

The reigning champions need only a draw at home to Arsenal on Saturday or away at Hull on the season's final day to retain their title and match rivals Liverpool's record haul of 18 Championships.

Trailing 1-0 at half time at the JJB Stadium last night, United recovered in spectacular style to equalise through Tevez then clinch three points with a Michael Carrick winner four minutes from the end of normal time.

Tevez's goal was his second in four days, even though he vowed to leave the club on Sunday due to his failure to nail down a regular place.

United manager Ferguson said last night: 'The situation has not affected Carlos at all. He knows I want him to stay.

'I had another chat with him about it today and our chief executive, David Gill, had other meetings as well. I'm sure it has progressed further.

'The terms we have offered Carlos are good, so we will see.'

However, a spokesman for Tevez's adviser Kia Joorabchian said last night: 'It is true David Gill came to see Mr Joorabchian and they had a cordial meeting.

'It is categorically untrue that Manchester United made an offer to try and persuade Carlos Tevez to stay at the club. In 2007 they agreed a two-year loan for Carlos and at the same time agreed the terms that would make the transfer permanent. They have not taken up that option.'

United were on the back foot after Hugo Rodallega's opener last night and it looked as though the title momentum may swing back towards Liverpool.

Ferguson added: 'We had to show the resolve of champions again against a determined Wigan side. This was a terrific challenge but we got there with a fantastic second-half performance.'

Wigan 1-2 Manchester United

Rodallega opened the scoring for Wigan

After Carlos Tevez had proved a point, two more followed for Manchester United here thanks to a super goal from Michael Carrick.

But it was Tevez who came to United’s rescue. Tevez who stepped off the bench to score a hugely important equaliser that was just brilliant in its execution.

Only three minutes after joining what was proving a difficult contest for the defending champions, Tevez revitalised a stuttering United with the deftest of backheels.

Flying high: Wayne Rooney tumbles off Michael Carrick as United's jubilant players celebrate the winner

A flick straight from the Cristiano Ronaldo repertoire but scored on this occasion by a striker hoping to secure an Old Trafford future.

This time he resisted the temptation to run to his tormentors and cup his ears in petulant protest. This time he simply let the brilliance of his football do the talking and chose, instead, to run to those who adore him: the supporters who responded to the sight of his 61st minute goal by again beseeching Sir Alex Ferguson to ‘sign him up’.

When he makes the kind of impact he did here at a pulsating JJB Stadium and performs every bit as impressively as he did in Sunday’s Manchester derby, it is hard to find a reason not to.
Michael Carrick

If Tevez really has been feeling unwanted and isolated, Ferguson should do something about that.

Thanks to the Argentine, and indeed Carrick, United now need only a draw against Arsenal on Saturday to secure a third successive Premier League title.

They are only a draw away from having things sewn up 11 days before they attempt to make Champions League history by successfully defending the trophy they won so memorably in Moscow last May.

Until Ferguson released Tevez from the bench in the 58th minute, it had proved an anxious night for United thanks to a 28th-minute goal from Wigan’s Hugo Rodallega.

It was looking like a tale of the unexpected. The bookies offered odds of 11-1 for a Wigan win, nobody expecting Steve Bruce’s side to re-ignite a title race which appeared all but over after Sunday’s defeat of Manchester City.

Suddenly, not even a win over Arsenal was going to be enough. Suddenly it seemed the title race would go to the last day of a season that would see United have to visit
a Hull side fighting for their Premier League lives and Liverpool entertain Tottenham.

If Arsenal could take yet more points off United at Old Trafford this Saturday, it really would get interesting.

For Liverpool, however, this has become all too familiar territory this season. They have sat at home and seen United flirt dangerously with defeat only to somehow escape with all three points.

They did as much against Aston Villa and Tottenham and they did it again here on a wet and cold Wigan night.

It is why United are the champions of England, Europe and the world.

Why they might now start to dominate Europe in the way they already dominate England.

Why players like Tevez and Cristiano Ronaldo would be mad to leave.

Even when they were struggling here, they still played some delightful football. The finishing may have lacked its usual potency but they created their chances with such fluency and finesse. On a perfectly manicured surface the passing was terrific.
Sir Alex Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson couldn't hide his delight after Manchester United's crucial win at Wigan

It was all the more impressive because Wigan were themselves performing well. For a side beaten 3-1 by West Bromwich Albion last week, Bruce’s side started remarkably well.

Antonio Valencia would have scored in the opening moments had his finish been as impressive as the burst of acceleration that left him with only Edwin van der Sar to beat -his chipped effort floated hopelessly wide - and Michael Brown also threatened.

But Wayne Rooney and Carrick squandered the best of the early chances, each missing when it seemed certain they would score.

First came Rooney, who met a super cross from Dimitar Berbatov with a header that somehow flew yards off target; and then Carrick, who somehow sent his close-range effort over the crossbar after a quite brilliant sequence of passing from Rooney, Paul Scholes, Carrick and Ronaldo.

Wigan’s goal did not come against the run of play, though, Nemanja Vidic’s failure to win an aerial battle with Rodallega for a ball launched forward by Lee Cattermole ultimately proving United’s undoing.

Rodallega won the initial header and before Vidic could work out where the ball had landed, the Colombia striker had driven a shot between Van der Sar and his right-hand post.

Even after the break, after what would have been a fierce reception from Ferguson for his United players, Wigan more than held their own.

But the arrival of Tevez for Anderson changed everything, the presence of a fourth forward seriously unsettling Wigan’s previously excellent back four.

Bruce said: ‘I’ve waited 10 years to get something against United and I thought this was going to be my night. I’m disappointed for my players as they deserved something, but we couldn’t keep our energy levels up and you need to do that against United.’

It was Carrick who created the champions’ opening goal, driving the ball into the Wigan penalty area at real pace, but Tevez who proved the creative genius, his touch completely wrong-footing the excellent Richard Kingson.

The goal gave United belief and removed any panic and with calm heads a second goal finally came, albeit four minutes from time.

The move started with Ronaldo on the right and continued with John O’Shea before Carrick drilled his shot into the roof of the Wigan net.

Another marvellous comeback from a truly marvellous team.

Arsenal 1-4 Chelsea

By the time Florent Malouda got the goal his fabulous performance deserved, Arsenal's supporters were already streaming for the exits, finished off for another season after finally losing the faith.

They were beaten by a team assembled for magic money, Arsene Wenger's latest barb at their big-spending neighbours after Chelsea handed out the mother of all beatings in Arsenal's backyard.

Gone backwards? More like gone at all levels.

Blues brothers: The Chelsea players celebrate Alex's goal

Key battles were not lost, they never even started. Mikael Silvestre versus Didier Drogba? No contest. Cesc Fabregas versus Frank Lampard? Forget it. Robin van Persie versus John Terry? An embarrassment.

It was a humbling experience for Wenger and his team, five days since Manchester United marched on to their territory and trampled all over them in the Champions League semi-final second leg.

Once Alex scored with a header in the 29th minute, they were done for, the shattered confidence draining the life out of their tired little limbs, barely able to string a pass together as Nicolas Anelka, an own goal by Kolo Toure and Malouda's 86th-minute strike saw them off.

They have not lost this badly in a home league game since 1977, when an emerging Ipswich side turned over Terry Neill's team at Highbury, crashing four past the Gunners as the glory years began under Bobby Robson.

Judging by events of the past five days, Arsenal's golden era has also gone, consigned to the time capsule that was buried under the main entrance when Arsenal made the �350million move to the Emirates in August 2006.

They occupy fourth position in the Barclays Premier League this morning, where they will remain until the final ball of the season is kicked against Stoke City on May 24, readying themselves for what is becoming an annual date with the Champions League qualifiers.
Match Facts

After this they need a summer to recover, to recharge the batteries and remind themselves that playing for Arsenal remains a great privilege. Their supporters deserve better, certainly better than this.

For 25 minutes they gave it a go, with Theo Walcott the most threatening Arsenal player, bounding his way past Chelsea's defenders and even poking his England team-mate Ashley Cole in the eye, much to the delight of the home support.

With a new 50,000-a-week contract in the post, he needed to show more composure in the opening minute, blasting his effort over Petr Cech's crossbar when Robin van Persie put him through.

So far so good as Arsenal peppered Cech's goal, with Abou Diaby sending another effort wide and Walcott steering an inviting chance to the right of the post. It appeared to be game on until Fabregas clipped Drogba's heels, earning an inevitable booking after motioning to referee Phil Dowd that the most unpopular striker in the history of English football had taken yet another dive.

From Drogba's subtle free-kick, Chelsea took the lead when Alex rose above the pathetic challenge of Silvestre to plant an excellent header beyond the reach of Lukasz Fabianski in the 29th minute.

Arsenal looked for a leader, someone who could drag them back into the game but Chelsea, inspired by the mazy dribbles and the ghosting runs of Malouda, were unstoppable.

Anelka scored their second just before half-time. It was too easy for the former Arsenal striker as he set himself up on the edge of the penalty area, fizzing a shot with the outside of his toe which spun away from Fabianski and into his bottom left corner.

Stretch too far: Arsenal keeper Fabianski can't get near Anelka's swerving shot

Chelsea's supporters, still hurting from the perceived injustice against Barcelona on Wednesday evening, lapped it up, reminding the opposition-of last month's mismatch at Wembley when they met in the FA Cup semi-final.

It got to Arsenal's players, notably Toure when he sent Cole's cross at the start of the second half beyond the stranded figure of Fabianski, a pitiful sight for this once great defender.

The believers, the survivors still in the stands, were given hope when Nicklas Bendtner's header in the 70th minute beat Cech, a well-taken effort which met with the approval of Arsenal's dwindling support.

Moments later their hopes of a comeback were destroyed when Anelka's angled effort rebounded off the post and Malouda restored Chelsea's three-goal advantage.

That was the signal for Arsenal's supporters to desert the stadium, turning their backs on the team as Chelsea's interim manager Guus Hiddink showed a playful side to his character by blowing kisses at them as they left.

After this, it might as well have been the kiss of death.

Man United 2-0 Man City

After admitting this morning that his future almost certainly lies away from Old Trafford, Tevez drilled home a superb first-half shot before racing away to celebrate, alone, in a very pointed manner, right in front of his manager.

Not only was the goal a perfect way for the South American to express his frustration at a move that now looks destined not to happen, it also snatched at the straw Liverpool were clutching at, with United knowing another win at Wigan on Wednesday will virtually clinch a record-equalling 18th championship.

The Tevez situation is somewhat complicated, far more than just whether Ferguson thinks he is any good.

Strikers Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez helped Manchester United move to within four points of another title.

After all, any United player deciding the eve of a crucial game on the title run-in was a good time to air public views on his future, or lack of it, would normally be good enough reason for Ferguson to exclude him altogether.

Tevez though is a crowd favourite and a player of extreme talent.

So, with Wayne Rooney needing a rest, the South American must have been one of the first names on the home team sheet as United searched for the first three of the seven points required to clinch the title before Liverpool next play.

The United fans have made their feelings perfectly clear for a long time now, bellowing 'Sign him up' at regular intervals.

However, it has to be asked whether, in the present economic climate, £30 million can be justified on a player like Tevez, a bustling, energetic whizzball of a striker, yet one who does not possess the extra class of a Ronaldo.

Yet, having declared the likelihood of him leaving, confirming in the process that United had not so much as made him an offer to stay, Tevez had clearly decided this was the day to make a statement.

The former West Ham star had already curled a shot against the post when he collected Dimitar Berbatov's short pass a minute before the break.

He took aim and fired, gleefully watching his shot crash into Shay Given's net off the Irishman's left-hand post.

Tevez's reaction was instant. He raced straight to the halfway line, directly in front of the dug-outs, waving away all team-mates, and stood, cupping his hands to his ears listening to the cacophony of noise.

Directly opposite, Ferguson celebrated too, a rueful smile spreading across his face. Above him, chief executive David Gill looked down, knowing he will be the one who has to ask for - and then write - the cheque should the Glazer family agree Tevez's registration should be extracted from Kia Joorabchian.

At that precise moment, an 18th league championship had almost been forgotten.

As Ronaldo had already found the net with one of his blockbuster free-kicks though, United fans spent half-time knowing they were taking a significant step towards it, Liverpool's hopes evaporating on the back of a City side who played good football without threatening the home goal.

Mark Hughes knows all too well the standards United have been performing to for almost two decades now.

Hughes does seem to have got the balance of his own team right. But there is clearly still a very long way to go before they can compete for anything more than scraps off the world champions' table.

Indeed, if Tevez's prodding goes unheeded by United, it is a fair bet the Welshman was listening too as he assessed the next move forward for his club, who still harbour hopes of a place in the new Europa League.

Ronaldo's 26th goal of the season was a corker. Only 30 yards this time the distance as the Portugal superstar belted home his 18th-minute opener.

His delight did not last that long as, on the hour, he was replaced by Wayne Rooney.

The decision did not go down well. Ronaldo's future has also been the subject of intense speculation of course and he angrily swiped at some TV equipment before taking a seat in the dug-out, shaking his head in clear annoyance at the decision even though, injury permitting, he is certain to face Barcelona later this month.

A further problem arose for Ferguson in an apparent hamstring injury suffered by Jonny Evans, who was only called into battle himself when Rio Ferdinand suffered a calf injury in training yesterday.

West Ham 0-3 Liverpool

With Manchester United playing on Sunday, Rafael Benitez's men overtook them on goal difference - but time has almost run out and they only have two matches left.

United have four games and may not need them all to secure the title, although the efforts of Gerrard has at least stretched them well into May.

The 28-year-old's goals at Upton Park took his tally to 23 for the season, with Ryan Babel adding a late third to seal the win.

Liverpool's hopes this season have been built on the firepower of Fernando Torres and Gerrard - and the pair combined after 76 seconds for the opener.

Torres, back fit after a hamstring problem ruled him out of the win over Newcastle, received the ball in midfield but was given the time to turn and pick his pass, threading ball through to Gerrard beyond the Hammers defence.

The hosts were claiming offside but James Tomkins had played Gerrard on, with the England midfielder taking the ball around Robert Green and finishing into an empty net.

Steven Gerrard scored twice against West Ham to send Liverpool top of the Premier League and keep alive their slim title hopes.

The early opener stunned the hosts, who kicked off knowing Fulham had won and Tottenham picked up a point earlier in the day in the race for the Europa League next season.

Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola believes four more points will see them secure seventh place - which will get them into Europe if UEFA grant them a club licence - and they had their moments after the setback of Gerrard's opener.

As they attempted to find a way back into the game, Diego Tristan flicked a header at goal from Mark Noble's free-kick that required Jose Reina to save.

They got a little closer just before the half-hour mark when Noble earned a free-kick on the left and swung the set-piece into the danger area. Radoslav Kovac got in front of Reina to meet the ball but his header flew over the crossbar.

Their progress was undone when Luis Boa Morte suffered a nightmare 30 seconds which resulted in conceding a penalty just before the break.

He was furious that no free-kick was given when Javier Mascherano brought him down, then chased back to own penalty area and hauled down Torres when Yossi Benayoun scooped the ball through.

Green saved Gerrard's spot-kick but the rebound fell to the Liverpool captain to tap home.

David di Michele should have pulled a goal back when he seized on a mistake by Jamie Carragher. He raced through and got his feet tangled up as he tried to take the ball around Reina.

It was a shocking miss and referee Alan Wiley rubbed salt in the wound by booking the Italian for diving.

Boa Morte was trying to atone for own his first-half error after the restart but one powerful run was ended by Fabio Aurelio, earning the full-back a caution.

Liverpool threatened to score a third, with Benayoun volleying over from Dirk Kuyt's cross and Torres looping a header just over the crossbar.

The Hammers defence looked under pressure but Matthew Upson was exposed in a different way when he received a bloody nose - the centre-back had to strip down to his underwear on the sidelines to change his kit.

Upson was among the players racing back when Liverpool broke on the hour mark, with the hosts saved by Green rushing out to block Kuyt's effort.

Benayoun then exchanged passes with Torres before shaving Green's post with a drive.

There were ironic cheers when Di Michele was taken off for Freddie Sears, as there were when Tristan put the ball in the net after clearly being offside.

The visitors were able to keep out any genuine efforts and added a third through Babel with five minutes remaining.

Kuyt crossed for his fellow Dutchman, Green saved the initial header but the rebound was tapped home.

Gerrard will fight Manchester United to the end

Man of the match Steven Gerrard promised Liverpool fans that the Reds will fight Manchester United to the end.

With United playing City in the Manchester derby on Sunday, Rafael Benitez's men overtook them on goal difference - but they only have two matches left.

And, while the title is a mathematical possibility, the Anfield side will not give up.

Gerrard told Setanta Sports 1: "We've got to keep going, keep doing our job and that's to win our remaining games - starting today.

"We're happy with the result, happy with the clean sheet. We've put a little bit more pressure on United.

"If they win their games, fair play to them, they deserve it, but we've got to keep the pressure on."

Gerrard is now hoping for a favour from Mark Hughes' City on Sunday.

"They've got a tough game," the 28-year-old England midfielder said of United.

"City have just come into a bit of form and derby matches are never easy. We wait and we hope that City can do us a favour - but the important thing is that we do our job.

"It'd be nice to still have it in our hands but we've got ourselves to blame by not winning football matches we should win.

"We've drawn too many games at home this season - it's been slightly frustrating but you've still got to give us credit.

"We've done so well to be in the title race. It's May 9 and it's the first time we've been in it (at this stage of season) for a long time so credit where it's due.

"At a club like Liverpool it's important to win trophies but there's still been progression. We will learn from where we've gone wrong and start putting it right next season."

Ryan Babel added a third at Upton Park to seal the victory for the visitors, and Gerrard felt it was a richly deserved three points.

"When you come to a tough places like West Ham, who are playing well and have got a good manager, it's important you start well and that's what we've done," he said.

"West Ham came back into it after that but I think overall we deserved to win.

"It shows we're a good team, we've got good togetherness and we've got a winning mentality. We've got good players and we deserve to be top of the league at the moment."

Yossi Benayoun echoed Gerrard's sentiments about the dropped points at Anfield looking like they will prove crucial at the end of the season.

"I think we lost too many points against the teams below us at home," the Israel captain told Setanta Sports 1.

"From January to the end of February, we drew a lot of games - five or six in a row if I'm not wrong. This is the period that Manchester United got the confidence back and went to the top of the league, and from then it was very difficult.

"We will try to learn from this season."

Like Gerrard, Benayoun is hoping United will stumble in their remaining games.

"We know it will be difficult," he admitted. "They have the games in hand and they are a very strong side.

Hopefully they will slip up. If not they will deserve to be champions. Anything can happen in football.

"Manchester derbies are always difficult games. City have a lot of quality players in attack and hopefully they will have a good game and try to win the game - but everybody knows Manchester United are favourites."

Hull City 1-2 Stoke City

EASY, TIGERS: Hull are flat out as Stoke hail Ricardo Fuller's opener

Liam Lawrence guaranteed Stoke's Premier League survival with a stunning strike that pushed Hull closer to relegation.

Lawrence blasted home from 25 yards with 18 minutes remaining at the KC Stadium to double his side's advantage after an earlier Ricardo Fuller effort.

Andy Dawson replied with an injury-time free-kick but it was too late as Stoke held on to clamber to 42 points and safety.

Hull complained after substitute Geovanni thought his late shot had been deflected for a corner but referee Howard Webb awarded a goal-kick and then blew the final whistle.

The result left Hull with just two wins in 26 games since October and with their survival hopes depending largely on the form of Middlesbrough and Newcastle below them.

Stoke, whose position had seemed relatively safe anyway, can now plan for next season with certainty they will again be rubbing shoulders with the elite.

And in a season when they have been criticised for their direct and physical style, they could reflect on the fact a genuine moment of brilliance from Lawrence had secured their safety.

Both sides showed plenty of early determination and chances came at either end in the opening 10 minutes.

Matthew Etherington created the first opportunity for Stoke but drilled a low shot wide and a menacing cross from Lawrence was scrambled clear by Sam Ricketts.

Ricketts then broke clear for Hull down the right but was fouled by Etherington, who was booked for the challenge, and Dawson wasted the free-kick.

Thomas Sorensen was the first goalkeeper tested when he palmed over a Daniel Cousin header after Craig Fagan won the ball on the right.

Richard Garcia then showed great control in the Stoke box to create a shooting chance but Sorensen clung on.

Lawrence responded with an ambitious attempt from wide on the right which Boaz Myhill felt was sailing well over, but it dipped and only just cleared the bar.

Hull's supporters then appealed for a penalty after Nick Barmby went down under a Ryan Shawcross challenge as George Boateng crossed but the players themselves seemed unconcerned.

Stoke finished the first half strongly and snatched the lead after Lawrence, afforded too much space by Hull, had a shot deflected for a corner by Kamil Zayatte.

Lawrence's cross from the resulting set-piece caused chaos and Zayatte and Boateng both ended up on the ground in the ensuing scramble.

The ball kindly broke to Fuller and the striker made no mistake as he turned and fired past Myhill from close range with 40 minutes gone.

Hull at least started the second half brightly with Kevin Kilbane's mishit shot still bringing a good save out of Sorensen.

Glenn Whelan went close to adding a second for Stoke with a dipping half-volley from the edge of the box which just dropped over the bar.

Hull needed to rouse themselves and Garcia forced Sorensen to save with a firm header from a Barmby cross.

Garcia then won a free-kick when he was brought down on the edge of the area by Andy Wilkinson but Dawson blasted wide.

With a replica of his earlier effort, Whelan then went even closer just after the hour with a well-controlled shot which crashed against the inside of the post.

Hull, having moments earlier brought on Manucho and Bernard Mendy in a double attacking change, were forced into a third when Zayatte went off injured.

The defender, already bandaged with a head wound, needed lengthy treatment after a further blow and Brown attempted to lift his side by boldly replacing him with Geovanni.

It did not pay off as Lawrence doubled Stoke's lead with his stunning strike.

Again afforded far too much space on the right, Lawrence took a Fuller pass in his stride and unleashed a fierce shot which gave Myhill no chance.

Hull heads dropped and they struggled to find a way through a resolute Stoke defence.

Barmby did get one opportunity when he headed narrowly wide from a Ricketts cross but time ran out for the Tigers.

Dawson netted belatedly with a curling free-kick as the game entered six minutes of injury time but it was too little too late.

Hull created one last chance and Geovanni thought his shot had been deflected for a corner but Webb did not agree.

With a trip to Bolton and a home clash with Manchester United remaining, Hull's position is looking precarious.