Chelsea’s Spanish midfielder Juan Mata celebrates after scoring during the English Premier League (EPL) match against Manchester United at Old Trafford in Manchester, north-west England, yesterday.
LONDON: Spaniard Juan Mata’s late strike secured Chelsea a 1-0 victory at Manchester United yesterday to leave the Londoners poised for a top-four finish and a Champions League place next season.
Mata settled a poor game when his left-foot shot in the 87th minute took a slight deflection off United defender Phil Jones and beat keeper Anders Lindegaard.
United defender Rafael was sent off in the 89th minute for kicking out at David Luiz.
Chelsea moved up to third place on 68 points from 35 games, one ahead of Arsenal, who have played a game more, and three ahead of Tottenham Hotspur, who have also played 35.
Earlier in another EPL tie, Everton’s hopes of playing European football next season receded after they drew 0-0 at city rivals Liverpool in a derby short on entertainment.
Everton, who have only won one of their last 13 Premier League games against Liverpool, were aggrieved after Sylvain Distin’s headed goal from a corner early in the second half was harshly ruled out.
Everton, who have drawn 15 Premier League games this season - more than any other side - remain sixth on 60 points, five behind Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea.
They have just two games remaining and have slim hopes of securing the Europa League place for the side finishing fifth.
Liverpool are seventh on 55 points.
Centre back Distin outjumped Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, playing in his last city derby before retiring at the end of the season, to put the ball in the net in the 56th minute but referee Michael Oliver had already blown his whistle for an infringement.
Liverpool’s best moments also came after the break with Daniel Sturridge denied by smart work from keeper Tim Howard and Daniel Agger flashing a header wide.
Before kickoff, Liverpool fans expressed their gratitude for Everton’s show of support earlier this season over the Hillsborough stadium disaster by holding up red and blue cards displaying the word ‘Thanks’. REUTERS
