After yesterday's win over Wigan, Manchester need just a draw in the two remaining games to win their third successive EPL title
After yesterday's win over Wigan, Manchester need just a draw in the two remaining games to win their third successive EPL title
Manchester United moved to within a point of a third consecutive Premier League title with a 2-1 comeback win over Steve Bruce's Wigan Athletic yesterday.
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Manchester United striker Carlos Tevez celebrates after scoring during their 2-1 win over Wigan Athletic in the Premiership yesterday.PIC/AFP |
Second-half goals from inspirational substitute Carlos Tevez and Michael Carrick overturned a first-half opener from Hugo Rodallega, meaning United will win their 18th English title if they take a point from either of their two remaining matches, against Arsenal at home on Saturday or away to Hull on May 24.
But they know they almost suffered a setback as they came up against a spirited and well-drilled Wigan side who attacked at every opportunity. United seemed sluggish early on but finally ignited in the 10th minute when they could have scored twice in less than 60 seconds.
Making the movesFollowing some superbly fluent passing, Dimitar Berbatov crossed from the right byline but Wayne Rooney could not steer his header on target despite being completely unmarked four metres out.
Within a minute, some slick one-touch football between Rooney, Paul Scholes and Berbatov helped to release Cristiano Ronaldo down the right and his incisive pass back inside was met by Carrick but he shot over.
Antonio Valencia had a fine opportunity courtesy of a free-kick on the edge of the box and although his curling effort was heading for the top corner, goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar managed to punch it clear.
Any United fans believing Wigan would merely lie-down were in for a disappointment and Wigan proved that on 28 minutes as they took the lead.
Lee Cattermole launched the ball into the penalty area where Rodallega challenged Vidic in the air and after the Serbian defender slipped, the ball fell for the Wigan frontman who slotted comfortably past van der Sar.
The match kept up its breathless pace after the interval with Rooney believing he was due a penalty following a sliding challenge from Paul Scharner but his claims were waved away.
Tevez then replaced Andersen after 58 minutes and within three minutes of his introduction, the striker made the crucial intervention.
Carrick hit a poor shot across the box which was going comfortably wide until Tevez managed to cleverly backheel the ball in the opposite direction, leaving Kingson little chance.
A draw looked the more likely prospect but United are justifiably renowned for their ability to turn matches late on and so it proved again.
With just three minutes remaining, John O'Shea passed to Carrick on the edge of the box and he struck a controlled left-foot drive into the top corner for an emphatic winner.
