Manchester United have one hand on the English Premier League trophy after a 2-1 win over closest rivals Chelsea at Old Trafford Sunday.
United lead Chelsea by six points with only two games remaining and could clinch a record 19th English championship with a draw or better in their visit to Blackburn next Saturday.
A final home match against relegation battlers Blackpool completes their league season before they contemplate the Champions League final against Barcelona at Wembley on May 28.
Earlier Sunday, Arsenal’s title challenge finally ended with a 3-1 defeat at Stoke and they trail United by nine points in third place.
Two early goals from Javier Hernandez and Nemanja Vidic put United in a strong position as they made a storming start to the title decider.
Ryan Giggs and Park Ji-Sung played in Hernandez for a goal after just 37 seconds and Giggs then crossed for Vidic to head in the second after 23 minutes.
Frank Lampard reacted quickly to pull a goal back for Chelsea midway through the second half to give Carlo Ancelotti’s men renewed hope.
Almost immediately, United might have settled the game once and for all as Hernandez cut the ball back for Wayne Rooney, but the England striker’s effort was superbly blocked by Alex.
Rooney and the ever dangerous Hernandez had further chances to seal victory and at the final whistle Alex Ferguson and his team were celebrating what is almost certain to be another EPL title.
Stoke warmed up for the FA Cup final against Manchester City next weekend with an impressive win over Arsenal at the Britannia.
First-half goals from Kenwyne Jones and former Arsenal man Jermaine Pennant put the home side in command.
Robin van Persie pulled one back for Arsenal with nine minutes remaining before a late Jonathan Walters strike secured a deserved win for the Potters.
The other EPL game Sunday saw Wolves move out of the relegation zone with a crucial 3-1 victory over midlands rivals West Bromwich Albion.
Scottish striker Steven Fletcher scored twice with Adlene Guedioura grabbing the other as Mick McCarthy’s men moved up to 17th at the expense of Blackpool, who are one point behind in 18th.
Peter Odemwingie scored West Brom’s consolation from the penalty spot on 55 minutes after Guedioura brought down Jerome Thomas, but they could make no further impression.
Thank : cnn.com
