Chelsea sink champions United with late own goal

Tuesday, 7 May 2013 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Reuters: A late own goal from Phil Jones secured Chelsea a 1-0 victory at Manchester United on Sunday to leave the Londoners poised for a top-four finish and a Champions League place next season.

An angled shot from Spaniard Juan Mata in the 87th minute took a slight deflection off defender Jones and beat keeper Anders Lindegaard.

United defender Rafael was sent off in the 89th minute for kicking out at fellow Brazilian David Luiz, becoming the first player that the champions have had dismissed this season.

Europa League finalists 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.

A win at home against Spurs on Wednesday would effectively seal a top four finish for Chelsea as they enjoy a far superior goal difference to their London rivals.

“It’s an important win. We knew we needed to win a couple of games and this is the first one,” said Chelsea Interim Manager Rafael Benitez.

“If we can beat Tottenham on Wednesday, we will be in the top four with two games left to play.”

Everton’s slim hopes of playing European football next season receded further after they drew 0-0 at city rivals Liverpool in a derby short on entertainment.

Everton, who have drawn 15 Premier League games this season – more than any other side – remain sixth on 60 points.

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.

“We want to get Everton back into Europe. As a football club we need desperately to give those nights back to the supporters. If we don’t make it, it won’t be for a lack of effort,” said Everton Manager David Moyes.

United and Chelsea, like the Anfield game that preceded it, had much the feel of an end of season clash with United, a 20th English title long already sealed, unable to find a spark and Chelsea showing the effects of a hectic schedule.