Ten-man Manchester United held on to beat Middlesbrough 1-0 at the Riverside on Sunday and extend their lead at the top of the premier league to four points.
With second-placed Arsenal not playing Southampton until yesterday, United took full advantage through an own goal by Danny Mills and a battling display after midfielder Darren Fletcher was dismissed for a second bookable offence in the 65th minute.
United moved up to 46 points with their 15th victory in 19 games, followed on 42 by both Arsenal and Chelsea, who recovered from Friday's mauling by Charlton Athletic with an emphatic 3-0 win over Portsmouth.
PHOTO: AP
Charlton took fourth spot following a 1-0 victory at Tottenham Hotspur, who dropped into the relegation zone, and Fulham slipped to fifth after a 3-0 defeat at Aston Villa. Teenager Wayne Rooney came off the bench to clinch Everton's 1-0 victory over Birmingham City, and Newcastle United fell to seventh after losing 1-0 at home to Blackburn Rovers.
Manchester United, who absorbed intense pressure in the closing minutes, went ahead after 14 minutes when a shot from South African Quinton Fortune took a wicked deflection off Mills and left Boro keeper Mark Schwarzer stranded.
Boro enjoyed plenty of second-half possession but failed to create any clearcut opportunities, and only a fantastic reflex block by Schwarzer and the crossbar denied the champions a second through Paul Scholes.
United manager Alex Ferguson felt his side were deserved winners.
"I don't think they [Middlesbrough] made a chance in the whole match," he told Sky Sports. "I don't think [goalkeeper] Tim Howard made a save."
Ferguson was also unimpressed by Fletcher's red card.
"The referee's made a rod for his own back really -- the first booking was ridiculous," Ferguson said. "If you go on that principle, there should have been four or five sent off."
Chelsea, whose 4-2 defeat by Charlton was their second loss in three league games, were frustrated at Stamford Bridge until second-half strikes by defender Wayne Bridge and midfielders Frank Lampard and Geremi.
Bridge broke the deadlock with a solo effort in the 65th minute, Lampard found the net following Adrian Mutu's pass and Geremi superbly volleyed his first goal for the club eight minutes from time.
"I was waiting for this performance," Chelsea coach Claudio Ranieri told reporters. "We knew December was a bad month for us and I'm sure in the new year it will be better."
Liverpool were haunted by their former players in a 2-2 draw at Manchester City.
Robbie Fowler was the toast of the home fans after earning a 30th-minute penalty, converted by another former Liverpool striker Nicolas Anelka, and denying his old club victory with an injury-time equalizer.
Gerard Houllier's side had come from a goal down to take the lead through midfielders Vladimir Smicer and Dietmar Hamann.
Bottom club Wolverhampton Wanderers beat fellow strugglers Leeds United 3-1 to cut the gap at the foot of the standings to three points. Leeds have 17 points, one less than Spurs.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely