Sunderland secure top-flight status

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 place in the Champions League last night.

The battle to avoid relegation is now a straight shootout between Hull City and 17thplaced Newcastle United, who are two points better off going into Sunday’s final round.

Hull are at home to Manchester United, while Newcastle host West Ham.

Sunderland 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 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, Newcastle manager John Carver is attempting to wrap his players in a lowtech blanket in an attempt to save them from relegation.

A loss to the Hammers and a Hull win over United would see the Magpies, who have lost nine of their last 10 Premier League matches, relegated.

Carver is doing all he can to tip the odds in his favour, starting with a ban on players using social media.

“People are saying this is the biggest game in six years at this club, and let’s be honest, it is,” Carver said.

“We have got to deal with that. There is going to be a lot of media hype, which we expect. I have had a chat with the guys and said… try and stay off social media, stay off Twitter, keep off the internet.”

Carver does not even want his players watching football on TV in case it tires them out.

“I have enough players in that room who realise what this game means,” he said.

“I’m expecting the big players to step up and perform. We have to win the game. If we win, we take care of our own business. Winning is our only thought.

“We need the supporters this weekend. Put all your differences to one side and get behind the team. We will have an inquest after.” – Reuters *ORDERS OVER R250