UNITED EARN 17TH TITLE
Manchester United wrapped up the Premier League title yesterday with victory at Wigan whilst Chelsea faltered at the final hurdle.
Ryan Giggs made the headlines for Manchester United as he came off the bench to equal Sir Bobby Charlton's club appearances record and celebrated the milestone by scoring United's second in a 2-0 win at the JJB Stadium after a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty gave United a first half lead.
The win was enough for United to claim their tenth Premier League title and their 17th overall - leaving them one short of Liverpool's record of eighteen English league championships.
That win was enough to secure the title for Sir Alex Ferguson's men regardless of the result at Stamford Bridge and for much of the afternoon, it looked as if the three-points were needed as Andriy Shevchenko gave put Chelsea in front although in the dying seconds, Kevin Davies struck in injury time to earn Bolton a point and ensure that the title was decided on points, rather than goal difference.
Giggs, who took the plaudits on his
758th club appearance, said: "It's special: I'm not going to
play it down.
"It was a great goal just to
settle us down. We felt a little more comfortable after that.
"We knew it would be a tough
game, and it was.
"We did well in the first half and got that first goal. Then it was a case of holding on."
But the Welshman was keen to deflect the attention from his personal milestone to focus on the team's achievements and the prospect of a completing a double in Moscow a week on Wednesday.
He said: "It feels great. I'm
not bothered about individual records, this is what it's all about -
championships.
"Hopefully we can win another trophy in 10 days."
Chelsea coach Avram Grant was gracious in defeat, admitting that the title was reward for a great season for Sir Alex Ferguson.
"United had a great season, played very well and are champions," said Grant.
"I especially want to congratulate Sir Alex Ferguson. He is a great manager and a great person."
On a day of high drama, Fulham have Danny Murphy to thank after his late header gave them a 1-0 win at Portsmouth to secure their survival on the last day of the season and condemn Reading and Birmingham to the drop along with Derby.
Unusually for a final day, all of the relegation-threatened sides earned maximum points as Reading earned a 4-0 win at Derby whilst Birmingham achieved an impressive 4-1 win at home to Blackburn.
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson, who saved the club from a likely relegation, spoke of his relief at the victory yesterday but reserved some sympathy for Alex McLeish and Steve Coppell.
"I know exactly how Alex McLeish and Steve Coppell are feeling," he said.
"In all the jubilation, I must say we were not that far away from it being us and not them.
"But it feels great, it was obviously going to be a very difficult game to win for us. Portsmouth gave their all and we knew it was going to be a tough task."
Birmingham chairman David Gold admits that he is considering resigning from his role at the club after receiving abuse from sections of the Birmingham support following their relegation.
"You could see the hate in the eyes of the people sat in front of us. It was a venomous verbal attack," added the 70-year-old.
"I'm a bit stressed by the reaction of the fans. I can understand the disappointment of relegation. We have been there on a number of occasions, going back to relegation from the old third division.
"You could see the hate in the eyes of the people sat in front of us. It was a venomous verbal attack.
"It was as unpleasant as it has been during my 15 years with the club.
"I'm very disappointed. What I have to ask is, is it hundreds of fans, thousands of fans or the majority?
"If it is the majority I will be left with no alternative but to resign as chairman.Related links:
