United recover to keep title race alive for now
MANCHESTER United maintained their tremendous away record to beat Aston Villa 3-1 and keep the Premier League title race alive.
United might have already lost out to Manchester City but for Chelsea’s 2-1 triumph against Pep Guardiola’s men a day earlier.
Fresh from sealing their place in the Europa League final against Villarreal, the Red Devils turned their focus to Villa Park as they began an unenviable run of three League matches in five days.
Bertrand Traore’s stunner had Villa dreaming of a first home League victory against United since 1995, but Solskjaer’s side dug deep and secured a 3-1 triumph – a competition record tenth comeback win of the season.
City had been on course to wrap up a third Premier League title in four years as Villa went into the break leading through Traore’s exceptional effort.
United, however, levelled shortly after the restart through Bruno Fernandes’ penalty, before Mason Greenwood struck to become United’s top-scoring teenager in the Premier League era.
The 19-year-old usurped Wayne Rooney with that 16th goal and veteran Edinson Cavani came off the bench to add gloss on an afternoon that ended with Villa’s Ollie Watkins being sent off.
Elsewhere yesterday, Everton gave a boost to their European hopes at the expense of West Ham’s with a 1-0 away victory at the London Stadium. Dominic CalvertLewin scored the only goal of the game in the first period.
Wolves, meanwhile, came from behind to beat visiting Brighton 2-1 with a 90th-minute winner from Morgan Gibbs-White. Adama Traore had levelled Lewis Dunk’s opener for Brighton, who had Dunk and Neil Maupay sent off.
Arsenal’s match with West Brom concluded after the Daily Press deadline.
On Saturday, Manchester City’s title party was put on hold as Chelsea fought back to win 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium.
Raheem Sterling gave City the lead but Sergio Aguero had a spotkick saved, and Chelsea hit back to win through Hakim Ziyech and Marcos Alonso.
Elsewhere, Leeds beat Spurs 3-1 with Stuart Dallas, Patrick Bamford and Rodrigo on target for the hosts, while Son Heung-min replied.
Liverpool later capitalised in the race for the Champions League places with a 2-0 success over Southampton at Anfield. Sadio Mane and Thiago scored the goals.
Crystal Palace won 2-0 away to Sheffield United with Christian Benteke and Eberechi Eze on target for the Eagles.
Newcastle demolished Leicester 4-2 on Friday night, the Magpies taking a four-goal lead.
Joe Willock, Paul Dummett and Callum Wilson (2) netted for the away side before Marc Albrighton and Kelechi Iheanacho replied.
Fulham play host to Burnley this evening (8pm).
Chelsea retained their Women’s Super League title as Fran Kirby scored twice in their 5-0 victory over Reading. Melanie Leupolz, Kirby (2), Sam Kerr and Erin Cuthbert struck for the champions.
Second-placed Manchester City won 1-0 at West Ham to finish two points behind as runners-up, but needed Chelsea to slip up to have a chance of snatching top spot.
At the other end of the table, Bristol City were relegated after a 3-1 defeat at Brighton.