Premiership Results and Scorers
English Premier League Scores - Manchester United are Champions
Last weekend's results and scores for the games involving the Manchester United and Chelsea title race. Relegation battle for West Ham, Fulham, Wigan and Sheffield United
Premiership Title Race:
Manchester City 0 Manchester United 1
A first half penalty from Cristiano Ronaldo gave United the three points necessary to keep the pressure on Chelsea in their Premiership title race. Michael Ball, the Manchester City defender, should have been sent off for a stamp on Ronaldo in the second minute. The referee didn't see it but he did see Ball's foul tackle on Ronaldo and awarded the penalty.
In the second half, with ten minutes remaining, City were awarded a penalty but Darius Vassell maintained City's horrendous home goal scoring record, only ten goals all season, and saw his penalty saved by the legs of Edwin van der Sar.
This win moved United eight points clear of Chelsea with two games remaining.
Arsenal 1 Chelsea 1
Chelsea needed a win to take the battle for the Premiership title into the final week. Two minutes before half-time Arsenal took the lead with a penalty scored by Gilberto Silva. The Chelsea defender who conceded the spot kick was sent off and Chelsea were left to battle with ten men.
In the second half Chelsea made a spirited fight of it and equalised through Michael Essien but could not find the extra goal they needed, although Jens Lehmann was called upon to make a numer of vital saves to keep them out.
One point for Chelsea meant that their hopes of retaining the title were dashed with Manchester United winning a record ninth Premiership title.
Battle for UEFA Cup places
Everton 3 Portsmouth 0
Everton virtually assured themselves of a UEFA Cup place while denting Portsmouth's hopes. Three second half half goals from Arteta (penalty), Yobo and Gary Naysmith gave Everton a comfortable win after the visitors had the better of the first half. Everton's better goal difference virtually assures them of a European place next year.
West Ham United 3 Bolton Wanderers 1
Two goals from Carlos Tevez set West Ham on the way to victory over Bolton under new manager Sammy Lee. A third goal within half an hour from Mark Noble had the home fans celebrating but when Gary Speed scored for Bolton in the second half, they became a little anxious. Bolton's recent slump in form has hindered their European ambitions while West Ham move out of the bottom three to improve their chances of avoiding relegation.
Reading 0 Watford 2
Two second half goals gave Watford an unlikely win against Reading who have made great progress in this their first season in the Premiership. Sitting on the verge of European qualification, they missed out on three points they would have been expecting to claim. Marlon King and Danny Shittu scored for relegated Watford.
Newcastle United 0 Blackburn Rovers 2
Two goals from Jason Roberts and Benni McCarthy aided Blackburn in their late challenge for a UEFA Cup place. With two games remaining they still have ground to make up but face two of their closest challengers, Tottenham Hotspur and Reading.
Newcastle's season is ending on a low note and the subsequent resignation of manager, Glenn Roeder.
West Ham's win took them above Wigan Athletic and a win at Old Trafford would see them avoiding relegation.
Wigan Athletic 0 Middlesbrough 1
A goal from Mark Viduka condemned Wigan to drop into the bottom three while ensuring their own safety.
Aston Villa 3 Sheffield United 0
A poor performance from Sheffield leaves them relying on getting a result in next week's final game at home to Wigan to ensure their survival in the Premiership.
Fulham 1 Liverpool 0
Fulham have avoided relegation. A goal in the second half by American Clint Dempsey against a weakened Liverpool team gave them the three points they needed for safety.
