Premier League Round-Up – Week 28

Ferguson’s reds continue to set a relentless pace at the top as bottom of the table tightens up.

Manchester United moved 15 points clear at the top of the Premier League table after thrashing Norwich City 4-0 at Old Trafford. Japanese international Shinji Kagawa staked his claim for a starting role against Real Madrid with an accomplished hat-trick. Talisman Wayne Rooney added a fourth with a stunning long range strike in what was a comfortable afternoon for Sir Alex Ferguson.

Tottenham Hotspur claimed the bragging rights in the North London derby with a narrow 2-1 win over Arsenal at White Hart Lane. Man of the moment Gareth Bale opened the scoring, which marked his seventh league goal in his last five games. Aaron Lennon added a second only a minute later to give André Villas Boas’ side a healthy lead. Per Mertesacker pulled a goal back for the Gunners just after the break, but a resilient Spurs defence held out to severely dent their rival’s Champions League hopes.

Chelsea consolidated their place in fourth after a nervy 1-0 win over West Brom at Stamford Bridge. Rafael Benitez was once again the target of signs and banners from the home crowd, who demanded that he leave the club with immediate effect. Demba Ba broke the deadlock for the Blues to ease the unhealthy tension inside the ground. In the end, that would prove enough despite some late scares.

Liverpool moved up to seventh after a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium. Stewart Downing headed the Reds in front after nice work from January arrival Philippe Coutinho. Luis Suarez added a further three goals for the Reds to make him the league’s leading goal scorer on 21 goals, ahead of golden boot rival Robin Van Persie.

Queens Park Rangers recorded only their third league win of the season, thanks to a 2-1 win over fellow strugglers Southampton. Loic Remy gave Rangers the lead before Gaston Ramirez equalised for the Saints on the stroke of half-time. Then, in what could be a crucial goal come the end of the season, Jay Bothroyd scored a late winner to give renewed hope of survival to Harry Redknapp’s men.

Everton called a halt to their stuttering form after a convincing 3-1 win over Reading at Goodison Park. Marouane Fellaini headed the Toffees opening goal, before Steven Pienaar doubled their advantage with a driven effort from distance. Kevin Mirallas capped off a terrific performance with a third goal for the home side before Hal Robson-Kanu scored a consolation for the Royals late on.