Ten Hag with United firmer on spot four after win, Southampton relegated
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Manchester United has done good business in the battle for the Champions League spots. Thanks to a 2-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, coach Erik ten Hag’s team is more firmly in fourth place, four points ahead of Liverpool with three games to go.
The first four spots are good for a direct entry ticket to the Champions League.
United started off stumblingly at home at Old Trafford but shortly after the half-hour mark they made it 1-0 through a goal by Anthony Martial, on a pass from former Ajacied Antony. The Brazilian granted Martial an unmissable chance, which was then not missed.
In the second half, United was better but the game remained stiff. Twenty minutes before time, Wout Weghorst was the first Dutchman to enter the lines. Shortly after, Sancho had an excellent chance, but Wolves goalkeeper Daniel Bentley saved handsomely. Premier League debutant Bentley also reacted well to distance shots by Casemiro and Antony.
In injury time, young Argentine substitute Alejandro Garnacho made it 2-0 from a counter via inside post.
Newcastle lose points, first relegation known
Number three on the league table, Newcastle United, fell short of a draw (2-2) at relegation candidate Leeds United. That did lead 1-0 on Sam Allardyce’s home debut thanks to a goal from captain Luke Ayling.
Patrick Bamford then missed a staff kick, before Callum Wilson did capitalize on one on behalf of Newcastle in the first half and one in the second.
Former Ajacied Rasmus Kristensen determined the final score via an opponent. At Newcastle, Sven Botman was in the starting line-up for the whole match, Pascal Struijk came on for the home team in injury time.
Southampton is the first Premier League relegation this season. ‘The Saints’ were in the Premier League for 11 consecutive seasons but had a disappointing year with few highlights. At home against Fulham, their fate was sealed with a 2-0 home defeat.
