United fail to dominate in top-four clashes

Champions Manchester United, who clinched their 11th Premier League title at Old Trafford last week, failed to leave their mark in direct clashes against the other top three teams in the championship this season.

In 2008/09, United were also crowned champions and finished on top in head-to-head matches with Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal, losing just once. But this time round, Alex Ferguson's team failed to retain that platonic honour in direct clashes between the top four teams.

Liverpool, who had skipper Steven Gerrard named as Footballer of the Year by the football writers, lead the way in this mini-league after making giant strides forward in this year's championship.

This mini-league finished as follows:

Liverpool 14 points (4-2-0); Arsenal 9 (2-3-1); Man. United 5 (1-2-3); Chelsea 4 (1-1-4).

The outcome of direct matches:

Liverpool: Arsenal - away 1-1, home 4-4; Chelsea - 2-0, 1-0; Man. United - 2-1, 4-1.

Arsenal: Chelsea - away 2-1, home 1-4; Liverpool - 1-1, 4-4; Man. United - 2-1, 0-0.

Man. United: Arsenal - away 1-2, home 0-0; Chelsea - 1-1, 3-0; Liverpool - 1-2, 1-4.

Chelsea: Arsenal - home 1-2, away 4-1; Liverpool - 0-1, 0-2; Man. United - 1-1, 0-3.

Liverpool are the only undefeated side. Only two doubles were made with Liverpool winning home and away against Chelsea and United.

The best defensive record also belongs to the Reds, conceding seven goals.

This season, the battle to oust one of the big four from the Champions League spots was a feeble one. Aston Villa and Everton looked to mount a serious challenge for a top-four finish but their challenge faded as the campaign intensified.

Last year, UEFA boss Michel Platini remarked that he could not see English clubs continue to dominate the competition the way they were doing.

When everything was set for yet another all-English showdown, Barcelona struck late to beat Chelsea on the away goals' rule and set up a final with Manchester United, the current holders.

In the Premiership, apart from the relegation issue, there is still one Europa League place to be decided tomorrow, the club to finish in seventh place. Also to decide are the final standings and the cash that goes along with the position at the end of the season.

The side at rock bottom gets 30 million pounds alone!

Battle for survival

The third Europa League slot can either go to Fulham or London neighbours Tottenham.

Yet, the Cottagers, at home to FA Cup finalists Everton, have a two-point advantage and a better goal difference. Spurs are at Liverpool away.

However, much of the focus tomorrow will be on the fight to avoid the drop. The big question is who will join West Brom in the Championship next season.

The sides in danger are: Sunderland: 36 pts, -19 goals; Hull: 35 pts, -24 goals; Newcastle: 34 pts, -18 goals; Middlesbrough: 32 pts, -28 goals.

North-east rivals Newcastle and Middlesbrough are the likely candidates to join West Brom in the Championship. The Toon are away at Aston Villa and Boro travel to West Ham. Two hard nuts to crack for the relegation strugglers but lately both Villa and the Hammers are out of form.

Former Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd is of the opinion that Mike Ashley is the man responsible for the team's plight.

The Magpies earned promotion to the Premier League just one year after the birth of the 'new' top flight, guided by then player-manager Kevin Keegan.

The Boro fans must look at chairman Steve Gibson for the way he had sided with the managers at the club and gave them his support, even if the fans were not always of the same opinion. The same applies for current coach Gareth Southgate, who is determined to stay at the helm of Boro next season.

Hull face champions United at the KC Stadium tomorrow but Ferguson won't be fielding his best side due to Wednesday's Champions League final. No one can point a finger at him if Hull had to acquire a positive result and stay afloat.

Sunderland remained in the relegation mire following Monday's 3-1 upset to Portsmouth. Tomorrow, they tackle Chelsea at the Stadium of Light. The Black Cats can finish on the losing end and still retain their Premier League status.