The race for the English Premier League title continues to be a sprint between the two Manchester clubs, City and United, while the scramble to get the Champions League places looks like it will be a battle between North London rivals Arsenal and Spurs.
City joined United on 70 points after a 1-1 draw away to Stoke City on Saturday, and although were top by virtue of goal difference, it was really two points dropped rather than one gained for the long time leaders. And so it proved, as United went three points head after Wayne Rooney’s goal proved sufficient against Fulham on Monday night.
Peter Crouch with a marvelous volley put Stoke ahead against City and it took a late goal from Ya Toure to get City a point. City had beaten Chelsea in midweek to make up ground on United. But the momentum now seems to be with the red side of Manchester.
Arsenal went through a terrible time earlier in the season, but on Saturday the Gunners recorded their seventh consecutive win to move on to 58 points, three clear of Spurs, after a 3-0 home win over Aston Villa. Theo Walcott and Kieran Gibbs were among the Arsenal scorers, the first time since 1997 that the Gunners had two English goal scorers in a Premier League game. Chelsea and Spurs drew 0-0 at Stamford Bridge, a result that leaves the Blues five points behind Spurs on 50 points. Then on Sunday Newcastle United joined Chelsea on the 50 point mark after a 3-1 away win over West Brom.
Meanwhile Liverpool’s bad run in the League continues, losing 2-1 at home to Wigan. It was Wigan’s first-ever win at Anfield. In midweek Liverpool were leading QPR 2-0 at Shepherd’s Bush, but eventually lost 3-2. Sunderland moved to within two points of Liverpool after a 3-1 home win over QPR on Saturday. Ireland’s James McClean, who agreed a new three-year deal with the Black Cats in midweek, got Sunderland’s second goal.
In Scotland Celtic’s title celebrations were put on hold for at least a week after losing 3-2 to Rangers. Over 7,000 Celtic supporters traveled to Ibrox on Sunday hoping to see The Bhoys win the title at their great rivals home ground for the first time since 1967.
