Man Utd loses more ground in title race
LONDON Manchester United lost more ground in the English Premier League title race with a 11 draw at relegationthreatened West Bromwich Albion yesterday while a PierreEmerick Aubameyang hattrick led Arsenal to a 42 victory over Leeds United.
Fulham boosted its survival hopes with a 20 win at Everton while Southampton suffered a sixth straight league defeat as Wolverhampton Wanderers came from behind to win 21 at St Mary’s.
Mbaye Diagne gave West Brom the lead on two minutes against United but Bruno Fernandes volleyed home the equaliser just before halftime at The Hawthorns.
Harry Maguire thought he had won a penalty for United but it was overturned after video review. The England defender hit the post in the dying moments but West Brom hung on for a point.
United United is second, above Leicester on goal difference but seven points behind Manchester City and having played a game more than the leader.
West Brom remains secondbottom, 12 points from safety.
United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said any talk of his side being in the title race was misplaced.
‘‘I said we shouldn’t be talked about,’’ he said. ‘‘A compliment for the boys we got into position we are now.
‘‘We won’t let them run away with it — we’re playing them soon. We’re not giving it away early. No we’re not.’’
Aubameyang netted his first Premier League hattrick as Arsenal accounted for Leeds to go 10th.
Captain Aubemayang scored two goals in the first half and, after Hector Bellerin added a third on halftime, the Gabon striker completed his hattrick to make it 40 two minutes into the second half.
Although Pascal Struijk and Helder Costa scored in the second half for Leeds, it was too little too late and it is now one place behind the Gunners.
‘‘The hattrick means a lot to me,’’ Aubameyang, whose mother has been ill, said.
‘‘I’m a guy who always works hard. It’s been a tough time for me.’’
Fulham is thirdbottom but is now within seven points of safety after its first win at Goodison Park.
Josh Maja scored both goals on his first league start, in the 48th and 69th minutes as Fulham picked up a vital three points to leave Everton seventh.
Danny Ings put Southampton ahead with a brilliant volley on 25 minutes at St Mary’s but Ruben Neves levelled from the penalty spot after a controversial handball decision soon after halftime.
Pedro Neto then fired in a superb winner on 66 minutes for Wolves, which is now 12th, one point and one place above Southampton. — DPA