Black Cats have another life
LONDON: Sunderland secured their Premier League survival after manning the barricades to tough out a 0-0 draw at Arsenal, for whom a point was enough to all but seal third place and a spot in the Champions League group stage on Wednesday.
The battle to avoid relegation is now a straight shootout between Hull City and 17th-place Newcastle United, who are two points better off heading into Sunday’s final round.
Hull are at home to Manchester United while Newcastle host West Ham.
Sunderland, also known as the Black Cats, needed a point to ensure their top flight status and defended like their lives depended on it to move up to 15th, four points clear of Hull City in the final relegation place.
It was a frustrating evening for Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal, who are now unable to catch Manchester City in second, but are three points clear of fourth placed Manchester United with a comfortably superior goal difference.
Meanwhile, Raheem Sterling has been named Liverpool’s young player of the year but was booed by a small number of fans when he collected the award yesterday amid speculation that the England winger is angling for a move away from Anfield.
Sterling was jeered by some supporters, while others shouted “Stay, Raheem” as he picked up the accolade a day after British media reported that the 20-year-old was poised to request a transfer.
In February, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said that Sterling had been offered an “incredible” new contract, with some reports suggesting the club had put forward a deal worth £100 000 per week.
Sterling denied he was a “money-grabbing 20-year-old” in an interview with the BBC last month but also said he was in no rush to sign a new contract. – Reuters