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Felix Magath confesses to being "afraid" of Fulham's increasingly desperate quest to secure another season in the BPL.
Thursday 1st May 2014
While Magath is convinced victories over Stoke at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday and at home against Crystal Palace the following weekend will result in survival, he is still racked by nerves.
The veteran German manager has never experienced relegation during his 19-year coaching career and knows Fulham are close to ending that proud record.
"For me, it (keeping Fulham in the Premier League) would be my most successful achievement," the White boss said.
"I have never been relegated and I'm a bit afraid of the situation, I don't know how it feels to be relegated. I am afraid.
"I am always nervous, without nerves you can not bring 100 per cent.
"The mental side is always the most important thing - the players know how to kick, mentality is what we are fighting for."
Fulham are one point adrift of safety with two matches remaining and Magath accepts only two victories will clinch a 14th successive Premier League season.
"I still believe two wins will be enough," he said
"There is no doubt, we need three points to have the chance to not be relegated. That is the situation.
"We know Stoke are a very good team at home, but we are confident that we have developed in the last few weeks and showed against Hull last weekend that we are able to play good games.
"Away from home we won at Aston Villa and we are confident we can manage it.
"The atmosphere is very good and the players want to show people we are still alive."
Both Stoke and Palace have climbed out of the relegation battle, leaving them with nothing to play for this season, but Magath denies mid-table opponents signpost an easier route to safety.
"I don't think so because if you are safe you have a lot of confidence, so it could be that their payers do better than before," he said.
Stats tell tale of thrilling Premier League season
With a thrilling climax of the BPL looming, the statistics prove that it has been the most exciting season in its history.
Friday 2nd May 2014
The final day of the season will see at least eight of the 10 matches, and possibly nine, being decisive either in terms of the title race, European qualification, or relegation.
Any of Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea could be crowned champions on the final day after a campaign that has been the closest since the launch of the Premier League in 1992/93.
There are only three points between the three challengers, the smallest margin between first and third place at this stage of the season since 1980/81 when three points for a win was first introduced.
The lead at the top of the league table has already changed hands 22 times this season, a record number, and it could do so again on the final day.
By comparison, the lead only changed hands four times last season when Manchester United strolled to the title.
Should Manchester City pip their two rivals to the title, they will have timed their charge perfectly - they have only spent a handful of days as league leaders during the entire season. Arsenal, who are likely to finish in fourth place, are the club who have spent longest time as league leaders throughout the campaign only to have fallen away in February after several months as pace-setters.
The competitiveness of the league has also been illustrated by the fact that no club had absolutely guaranteed Champions League qualification until they had played 35 out of 38 games - the latest these spots have been up for grabs. By contrast, in 2003/04 and 2004/05, Chelsea qualified for the Champions League with nine games to spare.
It is possible that Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City could all end up on the same points at the end of the season with the title being decided on goal difference - as it was in City's favour two years ago when an injury-time winner against QPR sealed the title.
It is incredibly tight at the bottom of the table too - depending on results this weekend, the final day could see all clubs in the bottom three still in with a chance of survival.
Facts:
:: there have been 22 leads changes so far this season compared to four in the whole of the 2012/13 season.
:: only three points separate the top three teams, the smallest margin between first and third place at this stage of the season since 1980-81.
:: only twice before in Premier League history have three teams still been mathematically in title contention with two matches left in the season (2007/08 and 1998/99).
:: this season, no club confirmed their place in the top four until they had played 35 games (Liverpool), the latest these spots have ever been up for grabs. In 2003/04 and 2004/05, Chelsea qualified for the Champions League with nine games to spare.
:: the final day of the season will see at least eight of the 10 matches being decisive in terms of the title, European qualification or relegation.
Chelsea assistant Rui Faria handed six-match stadium ban
May 2, 2014 12:41:00 AM
Jose Mourinho's right-hand man has been punished for attempting to confront referee Mike Dean after the official awarded a decisive penalty in the Blues' defeat to Sunderland
Chelsea's assistant coach Rui Faria has been handed a six-match stadium ban for his conduct on the touchline during the club's 2-1 defeat to Sunderland on April 19.
Faria had to be restrained from confronting referee Mike Dean after the official awarded an 82nd-minute penalty to the visitors, from which Fabio Borini converted the game's winning goal.
The defeat ended Jose Mourinho's 77-game unbeaten run in Premier League home matches across two spells as Chelsea boss, as well as dealing a huge blow to the Blues' title ambitions.
Faria, who admitted two breaches of Football Association rules, has also been fined £30,000 and warned as to his future conduct.
He will now not be present for Chelsea's final two matches of the season - at home to Norwich City on Saturday and away against Cardiff City on May 11 - and will miss the first four games of the next campaign.
Mourinho was also charged by the Football Association for his comments after the match, during which he sarcastically described the performance of Dean and referees' chief Mike Riley this season as "fantastic".
The Chelsea boss has opted to contest the charge and no date has been set for an official ruling.
The Frenchman is adamant that the Gunners are going places and wants the likes of Bacary Sagna to commit to a new contract in the hopes of achieving their ambitions
Arsene Wenger says that Arsenal have no intention of letting key players leave the club this summer.
Several of the north Londoners' squad have been linked with exits recently, with contract rebel Bacary Sagna yet to agree a new deal and set to leave on a free transfer, but Wenger is determined to keep his squad together.
"We want the players to stay here because this club has big ambitions for the future," said the Frenchman at his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday's clash with West Brom.
The Gunners are close to securing fourth place at Everton's expense and Wenger added: "We want to finish as close as possible to the top and win our remaining games
"One of the ingredients we've had this season was to respond when everyone was writing us off. We missed some vital games this season but we have been remarkably consistent.
"Against the teams who did not fight for the Premier League title we've done our job.
"We had too many injuries in March and February and we always had to play the same players."
While Sagna's long-term future remains uncertain, his participation against the Baggies in the short term is also in doubt, with Wenger confirming that the full-back "is a doubt for Sunday" with a knee injury.
"It will be the same squad [as against Newcastle]," the manager declared, while revealing that "Kieran Gibbs is very close now and Jack Wilshere is not far away."
The Gunners are in the market for two forwards, a goalkeeper, a central midfielder and possibly a new right-back and centre-back as they press ahead with rebuilding plans
SPECIAL REPORT
By Wayne Veysey
Arsenal hope to tie up two new signings before the World Cup as the Gunners are press ahead with their transfer plans despite the uncertainty surrounding the future of Arsene Wenger.
The north Londoners have already identified the areas of the squad that need rebuilding as they prepare to make use of a transfer kitty of around €122 million.
Arsenal want to sign two new forwards (including a versatile player who can operate anywhere across the front three), a central midfielder and a goalkeeper. They are also in the market for a new right-back and a new centre-back depending upon whether Bacary Sagna and Thomas Vermaelen remain at the Emirates Stadium next season.
Goal has learned that the Gunners want to have deals in place for up to two players ahead of the World Cup, which starts on June 12.
Wenger is heavily involved in the forward planning even though he has yet to sign a two-year contract extension which he agreed with the club last season and is unlikely to do so until after the FA Cup final on May 17.
The Arsenal board are continuing to plan under the proviso that the Frenchman will be in command next season, with the club whittling down their priority transfer target list, finalising scouting reports and holding meetings with agents.
One of the forwards on their radar is Real Sociedad winger Antoine Griezmann, who has a burgeoning reputation in La Liga and could be prised from Spain for less than €30m this summer. Representatives of the Gunners have already been in contact with Griezmann's camp.
Arsenal have not yet identified their principal centre-forward target but are continuing to monitor the situation of German sensation Julian Draxler, whom they tried to sign from Schalke in January.
In central midfield, the Gunners are looking closely at Southampton's Morgan Schneiderlin and Bayer Leverkusen's Lars Bender as they prepare to bring more youth and energy to the anchorman position currently shared between Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini.
Wenger is also in the market for a new goalkeeper, with deputy Lukasz Fabianski out of contact in the summer and set to end his seven-year association with the club. Fabianski is tempted by offers from Bundesliga clubs Schalke and Borussia Dortmund.
Arsenal have also drawn up plans to reshape their defence in the event that they lose one or both of Sagna and Vermaelen this summer.
As revealed by Goal, Arsenal are waiting to hear from Sagna, who current deal expires in June, after making him an improved offer last week worth more than €98,000-a-week spread over two years with the option of a third year.
They are eyeing up Eintracht Frankfurt's Sebastian Jung and Toulouse's Serge Aurier as possible replacements for Sagna, having done some of the groundwork on a deal for Jung in January.
Meanwhile, club captain Vermaelen has only a year remaining on his contact and could push for a move after falling down the pecking order in the last 15 months before regular centre-back pair Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny.
Arsenal are confident of holding on to Koscielny, who has been targeted by a number of marquee clubs in England and on the continent over the last 12 months, including Barcelona and Bayern Munich. Kosicelny, who shares the same agent as Aurier, is expected to sign a new contract with the Gunners.
The Welshman will decide whether to continue his playing career this summer, while Robin van Persie could return to the squad to face Sunderland and Wayne Rooney is a doubt
Manchester United caretaker boss Ryan Giggs says that he is unsure of his future at the club and is weighing up whether or not to retire from playing.
The Welshman was placed in charge of first-team duties at Old Trafford following David Moyes's dismissal and led United to a 4-0 victory over Norwich City in his first game in temporary charge.
With Louis van Gaal set to take over this summer, Giggs' role has become the subject of doubt - with some reports suggesting that the Dutch manager wants an overhaul of United's coaching staff - and the 40-year-old admits that he will consider his future at the end of the season.
"Nothing has changed. I'm here until the end of the season. My concentration is on the last few games," Giggs told the press when asked about Van Gaal's imminent arrival.
"I've got a lot to think about, whether to carry on playing or not. My concentration is on the last few games. We'll see what happens at the end of the season."
Wayne Rooney, meanwhile, is a doubt for Saturday's game against Sunderland after picking up a stomach bug and a slight groin strain.
The problem is not thought to be serious and the England international is eager to play, while, as reported, Robin van Persie could be included in the squad to face the Black Cats.
"A few of the lads have had a bug. Wayne Rooney has. Anders Lindegaard has. Wayne also has a tight groin too," Giggs continued.
"You have to be careful with the bug because the immune system is down a bit but Wayne being Wayne wants to play. We'll monitor it over the next 24 hours.
"Robin has been back training this week. He's looked good. Whether tomorrow is too early we'll just see how he goes today. He's looked really good this week."
Rooney's injury is not thought to be serious enough to put his participation at the World Cup in doubt, with Roy Hodgson set to name his squad on May 12, while Van Persie's return would be a welcome boost for Netherlands boss Van Gaal.
Jose Mourinho's side crashed out of the Champions League at the semi-final stage on Wednesday night to leave the Premier League as their only hope for silverware this term
David Luiz believes that Chelsea's season will be a "s***" one if they do not win the Premier League.
Wednesday night's 3-1 loss to Atletico Madrid saw Jose Mourinho's side crash out of the Champions League at the semi-final stage, with earlier exits in the FA Cup and Capital One Cup leaving just the league title to claim.
Chelsea are outsiders to win a fifth top-flight crown following recent losses to Sunderland and Crystal Palace but Luiz feels that a trophy is a must if the season is not to be deemed a failure.
"You can say it is a s*** season if you don't have trophies in a season at a big club. That is true," Luiz told reporters.
"We are a big club and we want to win trophies. We keep fighting in the league. We cannot win automatically. It will be difficult.
"We have many fantastic players and everyone wants to win trophies. It is normal when you sit at home and watch television to see Chelsea fighting for trophies.
"We need to be men and it is not always possible to win. The season we won [the Champions League] was a s*** season until the end and then we won two titles at the end."
Fernando Torres gave Chelsea the lead on Wednesday night before goals from Adrian Lopez, Diego Costa and Arda Turan saw the Primera Division leaders progress to the final.
Captain John Terry was seen in tears at the final whistle, an expression of emotion that Luiz admires as it shows a player's "personality" and "fight".
He continued: "Everyone is crying. Nobody likes to lose a Champions League semi-final - not just John.
"We have to remember we are lucky people who have the best job in the world. We have to respect that people at home do not have the same life as us.
"The most important thing is the personalities for me. We need to fight in many situations. This is sport, this is football. Everyone speaks about results but, in the end, you need to remember everyone here is human. Everyone gave their best all season. Everyone can make mistakes – that is normal - but you cannot hide yourself from any situations.
"I do my job every day. I gave everything. If there were many s*** games, when you didn't run, then fine but we gave our best in many, many games but sometimes it's possible to win, sometimes not."
Manchester City have struggled at Goodison Park in recent years but the Chilean believes his title-chasing side can buck the trend and take all three points this weekend
Manuel Pellegrini insists Manchester City's poor record at Everton counts for nothing as they prepare for a key visit to Goodison Park.
The destiny of the Premier League trophy is in City's hands after leaders Liverpool lost to second-placed Chelsea last weekend.
Although Pellegrini's men sit third, three points behind Liverpool, they boast a game in hand on the top two and a significantly superior goal difference, meaning victories in their three remaining games would likely be enough to seal the trophy.
City have won on just one of their last 15 trips to Everton, but Pellegrini is hopeful his side can put that dismal run behind them on Saturday.
"I think the past is the past," he told reporters. "We are in the present. I hope we can win it.
"I think that Everton at any stage of the season will be a very difficult team.
"Roberto (Martinez, the Everton manager) is doing a very good job, the same way he did before at Wigan.
"We are sure that we are going to have a very tough game there."
Pellegrini is not interested in debating whether or not City should be considered favourites to win the league.
"In football you never know, so the important thing for us is to think about what we can do and the only thing we can do is to try and win our games," he added.
"When you depend on what you can do it's better for all the players. The motivation is very high."
Sunderland optimistic as relegation struggle nears climax
LONDON Fri May 2, 2014 5:24pm BST
Sunderland's manager Gus Poyet gestures after beating Chelsea in their English Premier League soccer match at Stamford Bridge in London, April 19, 2014. REUTERS/Toby Melville
(Reuters) - Sunderland believe they have the crucial momentum as the struggle to avoid relegation from the Premier League enters its final eight days this weekend.
Three weeks ago the Wearsiders looked doomed, with manager Gus Poyet saying it would take a miracle to keep them up, but the last three games have changed everything.
A draw and a win at title contenders Manchester City and Chelsea respectively, followed by a 4-0 trouncing of fellow strugglers Cardiff, have lifted Sunderland off the bottom of the table and out of the drop zone.
They have 32 points, the same as Norwich City, one better than Fulham and two ahead of Cardiff, but with a much better goal difference than all three rivals and a game in hand.
"The players are desperate to play again and go on and keep winning," Poyet told reporters ahead of Saturday's game at Manchester United.
"The feeling is great. We need to make sure we take into consideration everything we’ve done, but knowing that there’s plenty to do. It’s going to be a special game for everybody.
"We know how Manchester United look now under Ryan Giggs. We know they’re going to be confident after last weekend, but it’s the same for us," added the manager.
Even if Sunderland are beaten, they could almost certainly guarantee survival by winning their two home games next week against West Bromwich Albion and then Swansea City.
"We’re confident as well because of the result last weekend, so it should be a very good game," said Poyet of the trip to Old Trafford, where United favourite Giggs has replaced David Moyes as manager.
"We need to make sure we bring them down to a certain level where we can go and take advantage. We did that against Manchester City and Chelsea."
Poyet took over from Paolo di Canio, who was sacked only five games into the season, and the three teams below them have also all changed managers this season - Fulham doing so twice after dismissing Martin Jol and then Rene Meulensteen.
Bottom placed Cardiff, who replaced Malky Mackay with the former Manchester United hero Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in January, hope to take advantage of Newcastle United's poor form - six successive defeats - when they travel to the North-East on Saturday.
Then they are at home to Chelsea, who could still be in contention for a top two finish or even the title itself.
Fulham, a Premier League club since 2001, have two mid-table opponents to play in Stoke City, away, and London rivals Crystal Palace at home.
Norwich are on the worst run of all the strugglers, having lost their last five games, and were always in danger of a difficult end to the season, knowing they had to play Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal.
Sacking Chris Hughton and appointing Neil Adams just before that run of matches, they lost the first two and now visit Chelsea on Sunday in a parlous position and knowing they need points from the last two matches.
Adams was upbeat on Friday, telling the club website: "The players' attitude has been positive, the effort and commitment are there."
The clubs immediately above the bottom four may also need to add to their tallies to be safe with Aston Villa on 35 points, but a game in hand on the bottom three, West Brom 36, and West Ham and Hull City on 37.
(Writing by Steve Tongue, editing by Alan Baldwin)
Rodgers confident Liverpool can rely on Everton for help
Fri May 2, 2014 6:26pm BST
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers applauds the fans before their English Premier League soccer match against Chelsea at Anfield in Liverpool, northern England April 27, 2014. REUTERS/Darren Staples
(Reuters) - Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is confident local rivals Everton will not go easy against Premier League contenders Manchester City, in a pivotal fixture that could affect the destination of the title.
If City win on Saturday, they will go back to the top of the table ahead on goal difference of Liverpool, who do not play at Crystal Palace until Monday.
Rodgers pointed out that fifth-placed Everton have plenty of incentive for the crucial clash, having not yet given up hope of securing fourth spot and Champions League qualification.
"I've read some bits and pieces about Everton not wanting to do Liverpool a favour, but make no mistake they are a great club who've done really well this year and they're fighting for a Champions League position," Rodgers said in a news conference at the club's training ground.
"They've got outstanding players and are going into the game looking to get a result."
Rodgers claimed Liverpool, seeking a first league title in 24 years, are in "a wonderful position", adding: "We're two points clear with two games to go and Manchester City have a really tough game at Everton.
"We'll do what we've always done and concentrate on the next game.
"If we go on and win our two games to finish, which will be tough games, we'll just see where it takes us."
Rodgers hopes that England striker Daniel Sturridge will be fit to play on Monday, despite not having started a game since the home win over City three weeks ago.
"He's worked tirelessly this week with the medical team, and we'll see how he is come Monday," the manager said.
Rodgers is not concerned either about his captain Steven Gerrard, whose error allowed Chelsea a crucial goal in their 2-0 victory at Anfield last weekend, putting the championship back within City's grasp.
"Steven played really, really well, but he was just unfortunate to make the slip and Demba Ba went through and finished really well," he added.
"Steven is a guy who has picked himself up over many years after disappointments. And he will do it again. He's a real, real good man.
"I think it's been a wee bit over-analysed as well - the guy slipped, which can happen to anyone. Unfortunately it led to the goal. It happens and we move on."
(Reporting by Steve Tongue; editing by Toby Davis)
Tottenham Hotspur manager Tim Sherwood acknowledges the fans after their English Premier League soccer match against Stoke City at the Britannia stadium in Stoke on Trent, northern England April 26, 2014. REUTERS/Darren Staples
(Reuters) - Tottenham Hotspur manager Tim Sherwood believes results in the last two matches of the season should have no bearing on whether he is retained in the job or sacked.
Ajax manager Frank de Boer said this week that Spurs had approached the Dutch champions about him taking over from Sherwood, who has a contract to the end of the next season.
Tottenham denied any official approach and Sherwood told a news conference ahead of Saturday's trip to West Ham United that he did not know the truth of the story.
"It was a strange situation but that's where we are with it," he said on Friday.
"It's something I've been used to dealing with it, but I'm not going to roll up and die, I'm just going to get on with my job.
"What will happen, who knows? I've got to show my personal pride and professionalism and make sure the lads are prepared to win for this great club.
"We play at West Ham and we play Aston Villa and after that I'll sit down with the chairman and we'll decide what we're going to do moving forward."
Sherwood, who was appointed after Spurs sacked Andre Villas-Boas in December, believes, however, that those two remaining games should not determine his future.
"It should not make a difference," he said. "If we are relying on the last two games to decide the future of this club then it could be decided on a 30-yard shot or a referee's decision.
"The people upstairs will know who they want and the last two games should not make a difference."
Needing to finish in the top six to compete in the Europa League next season, Spurs are in sixth place, three points behind Everton and six in front of Manchester United, who have played one game fewer.
City welcome pressure as favourites, says Pellegrini
Fri May 2, 2014 2:05pm BST
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini kicks the ball during their English Premier League soccer match against West Bromwich Albion at the Etihad stadium in Manchester, northern England April 21, 2014. REUTERS/Nigel Roddis
(Reuters) - Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini is unconcerned about the pressure of being back in pole position to win the Premier League, he said on Friday.
Liverpool's home defeat by Chelsea last Sunday meant that City will almost certainly regain the title they lost last season if they win their three remaining games.
The final two are at home to Aston Villa and West Ham, both of whom are in poor form, so the game at Everton on Saturday is seen as the crucial fixture.
"When you just depend on what you do, it's better for the players," Pellegrini told reporters.
"We like to have the pressure to be one of the teams who can win the title.
"At this moment the motivation is very high."
City, champions in 2012, were written off in some quarters after losing at Liverpool and only drawing with lowly Sunderland recently, but last weekend's results changed all that.
Although Liverpool, like City, can also finish with 86 points, the Manchester side have a goal difference that is already eight better, with an extra game to improve it further.
Pellegrini, hoping to join those managers who have become English champions in their first season in charge, said Spanish international David Silva, who missed last Sunday's win at Crystal Palace with an ankle injury, was back in the squad.
But he warned that Everton, under Roberto Martinez, will be difficult opposition at Goodison Park, where City have won only once in 22 years.
"The past is the past and this is the present, but Everton at any stage would be a difficult team," the Chilean said.
"Roberto is doing a very good job in the same way he did at Wigan, playing for the Champions League and Europa League.
"We are sure we're going to have a tough game.
"In football you never know, so the important thing for us is to think about what we can do and the only thing we can do is to try and win our games."
Everton are in fifth place, four points behind Arsenal but three ahead of Tottenham as they seek a return to European football for the first time in five years.
Rooney doubtful but Van Persie may return for United
Fri May 2, 2014 12:24pm BST
Manchester United's Wayne Rooney celebrates after scoring a second goal against Norwich during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford in Manchester, northern England April 26, 2014. REUTERS-Nigel Roddis
(Reuters) - Wayne Rooney is doubtful for Manchester United's Premier League game against Sunderland on Saturday but Dutch striker Robin van Persie could return, interim manager Ryan Giggs said on Friday.
Rooney is one of several players who have picked up a bug this week.
"Wayne has also got a tight groin so obviously with the bug you have to be careful because his immune system is down," Giggs told reporters.
"Wayne, being Wayne, wants to play, so we'll monitor it over the next 24 hours."
There was better news of Van Persie, whose hamstring injury has kept him out for more than a month since scoring a hat-trick in the Champions League victory over Olympiakos.
"Robin's back in training and has looked really good this week," Giggs said. "Whether it's too early tomorrow we'll have to see."
The 40-year-old Giggs, who has played nearly 1,000 times for his only professional club, declined to say whether he would pick himself in a rare example of a player-manager appearing in the Premier League.
The last one to play at that level was Stuart McCall for Bradford City 14 years ago.
Giggs has not played since April 1 against Bayern Munich.
United won his only match in charge, 4-0 against relegation-threatened Norwich City last weekend.
With the club widely reported to be in final negotiations with Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal, Giggs's future is in doubt.
"Nothing's changed," he said. "It's until the end of the season and we'll chat when that's over. My main concentration is on the remaining three games.
"I have a lot to think about and whether to continue playing."
He admitted that off-field tasks were taking up much of his time in the busy end-of-season period.
"The only peace and quiet you get is when you're on the training pitch," he said.
"As soon as you come back into the office you've got meetings and calls. For example this week has been planning pre-season, which has been testing, as we have to wait and see about the Europa League and permutations with that.
"It's an important time for young players, extending contracts, loan players coming back and players that need their future sorting out."
United are due to tour the United States at the end of July, which could clash with Europa League qualifying.
Newcastle fans planning mass walkout after 69 minutes
LONDON Fri May 2, 2014 11:04am BST
(Reuters) - Newcastle United fans, "angry and frustrated" by their team's poor season, are planning a 69th-minute walk-out protest during their final home Premier League match against Cardiff City on Saturday.
The Newcastle United Supporters' Trust (NUST) has passed a motion to boycott the last 21 minutes of the match when Newcastle will be attempting to avoid a seventh successive league defeat.
Organisers hope the protest will see a mass exodus of fans from St James' Park in the 69th minute, symbolic of the year 1969 when Newcastle last won a trophy - the Inter Cities Fairs Cup, the forerunner of the UEFA Cup and now the Europa League.
"As fans we have deep concerns at the direction Newcastle United is heading in, both on and off the pitch," said statement released by NUST.
"The vast majority of supporters are angry and frustrated but are divided as to what, if anything, can be done to positively influence Mike Ashley and those who run the football club on his behalf."
Newcastle's problems were exacerbated by the ban imposed on manager Alan Pardew after he head-butted Hull City midfielder David Meyler in March.
Pardew was banned for seven matches, the first three from the stadium ban and the last four from the touchline, and Newcastle's already patchy form dipped even further.
Newcastle were thumped 3-0 at Arsenal for their sixth straight league loss when Pardew returned to the touchline on Monday, and while he said this week he had no intention of quitting his job, his position is far from safe.
Fans have called for his dismissal in Newcastle's last three games and owner Ashley will decide his fate at the end of the campaign.
"I consider this to be one of the biggest jobs in the country," Pardew said.
"To get the opportunity to be the manager of this club is not something I am going to give up. I will fight for it with all I can.
"Newcastle fans have seen me in this position before.
"It might be a little bit stronger this time, the feeling for me to go, but it was the same last year and I didn't walk away. I didn't suddenly come weak and start hiding and I'm not going to do that on Saturday."
Cardiff are bottom of the table and must win to have any chance of avoiding an immediate return to the Championship after only one season in the Premier League.
Their form over the last six matches is better than Newcastle's, who are ninth, with one win, two draws and three defeats. They could be relegated on Saturday if results go against them.
Premier League: 10 things to look out for this weekend
Can Sunderland's bandwagon keep on rolling, and will Gareth Barry's absence for Everton have a bearing on the title race?
Posted by
Paul Doyle and Barry Glendenning
Friday 2 May 2014 04.07 EDT
Gareth Barry's absence Connor Wickham, Ryan Giggs and Samuel Eto'o could all have an impact this weekend. Photograph: Rex/BPI/PA/Getty/Reuters
1) Sunderland's survival special heads to Old Trafford
Despite heroic performances against Manchester City, Chelsea and Cardiff City that have yielded seven points out of a possible nine, their previous incompetence means Sunderland have done little more than give themselves a solid platform from which to launch a successful fight against relegation, whereas before they were neck-deep in quicksand. With home games against West Brom and Swansea City to come, it would be criminal if they failed to capitalise on their excellent work of the past fortnight, but first up it's Manchester United at Old Trafford, where Ryan Giggs will be attempting to make it two wins out of two in his role as caretaker manager. With Connor Wickham in the form of his life, having scored five goals in three games and created a couple more, it's difficult to see him not scoring tomorrow against a defence as ropy as that manning the barricades at Old Trafford. With Sunderland being Sunderland, it's difficult to see them going two games in a row without conceding at least once. Goals for both sides is the prediction, in a match that promises to be very entertaining and could well go either way. BG
2) Will Sherwood deserve to be remembered with affection?
This match doesn't matter much in the grand scheme of things but it is intriguing for the fact that it brings together two managers who seem to be loathed by large sections of their team's supporters. The reason for the antipathy of many West Ham fans towards Sam Allardyce is well known – they object to his style of football – but the reason for the vitriol of many Spurs fans towards Tim Sherwood is less clear. Is it because they don't like the way the team has played under him even though they have scored more goals than under his predecessor and have won most of the matches they were expected to win? Is he just a patsy, the focus of fans' anger at a regime that fuelled great hopes but failed to back them up with a coherent plan? Or do fans just not like the way that Sherwood comes across in the media, where he often accentuates his qualities – which is understandable when everyone else is accentuating his shortcomings – and occasionally gives self-serving versions of events, a bit like every other manager? A mixture of all that, with added presumed guilt by association with Harry Redknapp? If he presides over victory at West Ham and then against Aston Villa on the last day, thereby ending the season with the same points tally as André Villas-Boas collected last term, will Sherwood deserve to be remembered with any affection at White Hart Lane? PD
3) Pardew and Solskjaer face prospect of more heat
When Cardiff won at St James' Park in the FA Cup in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's first match in charge, it was construed by some as a sign of imminent take-off by the Bluebirds. Instead it presaged a freefall by the Magpies. A few weeks laterin January Newcastle sold their best player, Yohan Cabaye, and carried on plummeting, while Cardiff spent those weeks recruiting lavishly, and also dropped. Solskjaer does not appear to know his best team or quite how he wants to play, while Alan Pardew seems to have run out of ideas of how to extract respectable performances from his side and seems to have given up completely on the gifted Hatem Ben Arfa. Both managers, then, will go into this game feeling that they could hardly have chosen more convenient opponents – which means that at least one of them is going to come out of it feeling a whole lot worse. PD
4) Barry absence a blow to Everton stopping City
With all due respect to West Ham and Aston Villa, both of whom seem rubbish, this match is by far the biggest obstacle remaining between Manchester City and the Premier League title. City have won only once in their last 15 visits to Goodison Park but that's just a statistic that journalists blurt when they can't think of anything else to say; it will have about as much bearing on the outcome of this game as the alignment of the Giza pyramids with Orion. Far more significant is the fact that Everton can be a nifty and tenacious side and are still competing, in theory, for a top-four finish. Most significant of all, however, could be the absence from Everton's team of Gareth Barry on the grounds of him being on loan from City. Even if Sylvain Distin returns to the centre of defence to replace Antolín Alcaraz, the void left by Barry risks giving Yaya Touré and Samir Nasri even more scope for causing havoc. But will City stay composed and competent enough at the back to keep Everton out? PD
5) Goals galore or a shock in store at the Bridge?
Norwich City have managed to concede 44 goals in 18 away matches in the Premier League this term and there is no obvious reason – including the possible return to action of Joseph Yobo in time to launch a late bid for a World Cup call-up for Nigeria – to believe that they are suddenly going to become more solid now. So Samuel Eto'o could get a chance to go some small way to atoning for his costly blunder against Atlético Madrid. In fact, it is not inconceivable that Chelsea could win by a big enough margin to overhaul their goal difference deficit in the title race, just in case that becomes an issue. But do they think that will become an issue or do they accept that by losing in the Champions League they have blown their season? If Chelsea are not in the right frame of mind, Norwich might just inflict a third successive home defeat on José Mourinho and bolster their own survival bid, two outcomes that seemed unthinkable a short while ago. PD
6) Baggies bid to earn their stripes … for now
It was claimed this week that West Bromwich Albion are to unveil a new jersey, with reports stating that the club is to jettison its traditional white and dark stripes. Quite why the club would allow kit manufacturers to tamper so much with its identity is uncertain, but perhaps the Baggies feel the need to differentiate themselves more from Newcastle, with whom they have developed plenty in common, chiefly a concern to consistently do just enough to stay in the Premier League (whereas Arsenal's concern, of course, is to consistently do just enough to stay the Champions League places). The visitors could achieve their goal this weekend with a positive result at the Emirates, which is not entirely out of the question given Stéphane Sessegnon's excellent recent form and the improved performance of Yussuf Mulumbu last week. PD
7) Villa's future hangs in the balance
In Leandro Bacuna, Jores Okore, Nicklas Helenius, Antonia Luna, Jed Steer and Libor Kozak, Paul Lambert brought in a half-dozen young, relatively unknown players last summer at a cost of £17.2m. A reserve goalkeeper, Steer has yet to make a Premier League appearance for Villa, while bad injuries have curtailed the campaigns of Kozak and Okore. The remaining three purchases have made just 52 league appearances between them, with 32 of those accounted for by the young Dutch right-back Lambert signed from Groningen. Although relegation for Villa is unlikely, it remains a distinct possibility and the sooner they get the two or three points required to secure safety, the better for Paul Lambert, who will be able to focus on bringing in players with Premier League experience for next season. With visits to Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur to come, failure to beat the FA Cup finalists Hull City in their final home game of the season this weekend will leave Villa in real peril. With their owner's plans up in the air and facing opponents who could be forgiven for taking their eye off the Premier League ball (but have shown no sign of doing so thus far), this is Villa's best chance to guarantee their Premier League future ahead of a summer of uncertainty ahead. Will they rise to the occasion or make it their seventh game on the bounce without a win? BG
8) The tiki-taka derby
The only Premier League match this weekend in which neither team involved has anything other than pride to play for, you might expect this to be a fairly pedestrian affair. However, with Swansea City and Southampton currently first and second in the Premier League possession stats table, this is a huge opportunity for them to make fools of all those cynics who wrote off Pep Guardiola's philosophy as old hat in the wake of Bayern Munich's midweek reverse, by attempting to tiki-taka each other into submission. We're predicting a draw and not a particularly riveting one at that. BG
9) Fulham face fight for survival
Having carelessly dropped two points against Hull City last weekend, defeat for Fulham at the hands of Stoke City will see them relegated to the Championship in the very unlikely event that Norwich City and Sunderland win their matches against Manchester United and Chelsea respectively. The Stoke Sentinel are currently running a competition to win a pair of tickets for this match and unlike previous seasons, most neutrals would probably resist the urge to enquire if second prize is "two pairs" and actually consider them well worth winning. This match has the potential to be a real thriller in one of the best grounds in the Premier League, with home fans raucously cheering on a team vying to finish in the top half of the Premier League for the first time ever. A win would give Stoke their joint highest Premier League points tally with one match left to beat it and the air of optimism around the Potteries suggests there's little question that Mark Hughes's men, who have lost just one of their last seven at home will give anything but their best against Fulham. If Felix Magath is to maintain his side's unlikely survival bid, their hosts won't make it easy. BG
10) Liverpool prepared for Palace test
Brendan Rodgers, in his immediate irritation with the methods used by Mourinho at Anfield last week, declared that at least playing Chelsea will have prepared Liverpool for the trip to Crystal Palace. Such an observation may have sounded like sour grapes after a defeat but it was true: because Palace, especially if Mile Jedinak protects his defence as expertly as he has done for most of the season, can be just as disciplined and defiant as Chelsea. The question is whether Liverpool can be more inspired than they were last week? That could depend on several things: Daniel Sturridge being a week closer to full fitness should help; Steven Gerrard getting back to orchestrating play calmly rather than shooting every time he gets the ball in an attempt to make up for his infamous slip would also be a boon; and Glen Johnson discarding his strange habit of pausing every time he receives the ball and instead making vigorous efforts to get behind the opposing defence when he goes forward. The most welcome stimulant of all for Liverpool, of course, would be City dropping points at Everton. PD
Sturridge a doubt for Liverpool's crucial Crystal Palace clash
By Peter Hanson
May 3, 2014 12:01:00 AM
The England striker is still battling to overcome the hamstring injury that he suffered against Manchester City on April 13 and may miss this Monday's game
Brendan Rodgers is still waiting on the fitness of Daniel Sturridge ahead of Liverpool's trip to Crystal Palace on Monday.
The England international limped out of his team's 3-2 win over Manchester City on April 13 with a hamstring problem, and then missed the 3-2 victory at Norwich City the following week.
Sturridge was only fit enough for a place on the bench against Chelsea last Sunday, and was introduced into the action just before the hour mark as Liverpool went down 2-0 to lose control of the Premier League title race.
On Friday, Rodgers conceded that the striker should not have played any part in the loss to Jose Mourinho's side, and revealed that he remained a doubt for Monday's crucial fixture at Selhurst Park.
"We'll see over the next 48 hours," Rodgers told reporters. "He hadn't trained since he got injured, so it was a bit much (against Chelsea).
"He had worked really hard to get back and we needed something on the bench that could support us and help us in the game but unfortunately, it wasn't to be.
"But he's certainly in a much better place. He's worked tirelessly this week with the medical team. He re-joins the group and we'll see how he is come Monday."
Sturridge's strike partner Luis Suarez was named PFA Player of the Year on Sunday, after a season that has seen him net 30 goals in 31 Premier League appearances to date.
And Rodgers revealed the Uruguayan was thrilled that his stellar form has been recognised.
"Congratulations to him," added the former Swansea City boss. "It was an award that was really special for him because it came from his peers.
"He has been outstanding in all my time here and obviously, in particular, this season.
"So it was very well deserved and I know he really respected it, coming from the players in this country. I know he's happy."
5 things to know about the penultimate weekend of the Premier League season
Rob Harris The Associated Press
May 1, 2014 07:27 AM
Manchester City's Yaya Toure celebrates after he scores a goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Crystal Palace and Manchester City at Selhurst Park stadium in London, Sunday, April 27, 2014. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
LONDON - For once, the biggest supporters of Everton will be on the red half of Merseyside this weekend, with Liverpool's Premier League title hopes on the line.
If Everton can extend its four-year winning run at home to Manchester City, the balance of power in this enthralling title race will swing back in favour of Liverpool.
Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard noted on NBC that the "first time in a long time everyone will be wearing blue in the city."
Although Liverpool is top, despite losing to second-placed Chelsea on Sunday, City is in the box seat in third place due to its game in hand that could eradicate a three-point gap to the summit and put it ahead on a superior goal difference.
If City falls short at Goodison Park, Liverpool would be guaranteed its first title since 1990 if it completes the season with victories against Crystal Palace and Newcastle.
Here are five things to know about this weekend's matches:
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CITY'S SCORING:
Just like in 2012, the title could be decided on goal difference — with City the beneficiaries once again.
"The most important thing we've learned from that experience was the team spirit to keep fighting until the end," City defender Pablo Zabaleta said.
After the trip to Everton, City has home games against relegation-threatened Aston Villa and West Ham, which is unlikely to have anything to play for on the final day of the season.
The loan system could work to City's advantage on Saturday. Midfielder Gareth Barry is ineligible to play for fifth-place Everton against his parent club, much to Roberto Martinez's annoyance as they look to secure a Europa League spot.
"I don't see it as a healthy way to treat a loan player in not letting him play against his parent club," the Everton manager said.
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CHELSEA'S CHASE
The loan system could ensure Jose Mourinho's title hopes stay alive. Despite Chelsea's strikers struggling for goals, Romelu Lukaku has spent the season at Everton.
Now Mourinho needs Lukaku to score against City on Saturday to ensure his first year back at the west London club doesn't end without a trophy. Should City and Liverpool lose, a victory over Norwich on Sunday would see Chelsea go into the final round of matches with a one-point lead at the top.
"There is still a chance so we can't be sorry for ourselves," goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer said after Chelsea's Champions League semifinal loss to Atletico Madrid.
Chelsea's attacking shortcomings were highlighted by Atletico, three days after pulling off the surprise win at Anfield with well-disciplined defensive tactics.
"We have to pick ourselves up from this disappointment and realize we must keep banging on the door with the game against Norwich," Schwarzer said.
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ARSENAL'S DIMINISHED AMBITIONS
Having been well-placed to end a decade-long Premier League title drought before injuries limited Arsene Wenger's options, Arsenal is now satisfied just to secure a place in the top four. Qualification for the Champions League for a 17th consecutive year would be wrapped up with a game to spare if Everton fails to beat City or Arsenal defeats West Bromwich Albion on Sunday.
"This year, with a couple of injuries we struggled heavily but we regrouped very well," Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker said. "To secure Champions League football was another test for us. The fans wanted us to finish further up, we were top of the league for a long time and everyone dreamt about getting the title, but it takes more than just staying at the top until the winter period."
The season could still end with a first trophy since 2005 if Arsenal beats Hull in the FA Cup final.
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SUNDERLAND'S SURVIVAL
Having been bottom of the league before routing relegation-rival Cardiff 4-0, Sunderland is now out of the drop zone and should survive by winning two of its last three matches.
The first of the trio is against a Manchester United side with little to play for in seventh place but everything to prove about its enduring strengths as it looks to attract a successor to David Moyes.
If Ryan Giggs follows up last weekend's emphatic victory over Norwich with another fine display as interim manager, the clamour for him to get the job permanently could grow.
Man City clear Everton obstacle, Cardiff and Fulham down
By Martyn and Herman
LONDON Sat May 3, 2014 11:48pm BST
Pablo Zabaleta of Manchester City celebrates after his team beat Everton in their English Premier League soccer match at Goodison Park in Liverpool, May 3, 2014. REUTERS/Russell Cheyne
(Reuters) - Edin Dzeko's double at Everton helped Manchester City clear the biggest obstacle blocking their route to a second English title in three years on Saturday but Cardiff City and Fulham fell through the relegation trapdoor.
Bosnian striker Dzeko scored either side of halftime at Goodison Park as City won 3-2 to return to the summit for the first time since January and home wins against Aston Villa and West Ham United next week would almost certainly seal the title.
Everton, whose defeat means Arsenal will finish in the top four and qualify for the Champions League, led early on with a gem from Ross Barkley but Argentina striker Sergio Aguero equalised and Dzeko put the visitors in command.
Romelu Lukaku ensured a nervy finale with a second for the home side but City, for whom keeper Joe Hart made several fine saves, hung on to move above Liverpool on goal difference.
Both sides have 80 points with two games to play while Chelsea are third on 78, also with two games to play beginning at home to relegation-haunted Norwich City on Sunday.
Liverpool play their penultimate game away to Crystal Palace on Monday with City, who boast a nine-goal superior goal difference, at home to Villa on Wednesday before next Sunday's finale to a gripping season.
"It was a really, really big step. To play here against Everton is difficult," City manager Manuel Pellegrini told Sky Sports. "We won and that is important.
"The pressure is maybe too high to play your best football. It is not easy to recover from a goal down but we did."
City's relief was in marked contrast to the emotions experienced by Cardiff and Fulham whose relegation was confirmed by a surprise 1-0 win for Sunderland at Manchester United.
Sebastian Larrson's first-half goal gave Sunderland their first win at Old Trafford since 1968 - a result that took them beyond the reach of Cardiff, 3-0 losers at Newcastle United, and Fulham who were crushed 4-1 at Stoke City.
Gus Poyet's side's third consecutive victory took them to 35 points in 17th place with two games remaining while Cardiff (30) and Fulham (31) only have one left.
Sunderland will be guaranteed survival if Norwich lose away at Chelsea on Sunday.
"I said a long time ago that we would fight to the end, and what a game of football we played today," Poyet, whose side reached the League Cup final this season, told the BBC.
"I hope my old team Chelsea give me a hand tomorrow."
SOBERING AFTERNOON
For United's caretaker manager Ryan Giggs it was a sobering afternoon after the high of his side's 4-0 win against Norwich last weekend in his first match in charge since taking over from David Moyes, who was sacked last week.
"I feel flat. The players were flat and I don't know why. Credit to Sunderland, they are in good form, and they created the best chances. We lacked that bit of quality in the final third," Giggs said after United's seventh home league defeat of the season - their worst record since 1973-74 when they went down.
Defeat left United in seventh spot, six points behind Tottenham and while they have a game extra to play they now look like missing out on Europa League football next season when Dutchman Louis van Gaal is favourite to be in charge.
Shola Ameobi, Loic Remy and Steven Taylor all scored for Newcastle to make Cardiff's return to the top flight for the first time since 1962 a brief one.
While it was Cardiff who went down, however, the home fans were also restless with a protest during the match against manager Alan Pardew and owner Mike Ashley.
A 69th minute "walk-out" was planned and while many did vacate their seats it was not the thousands predicted.
Peter Odemwingie, Marko Arnautovic, Oussama Assaidi and Jonathan Walters all scored for Stoke as Fulham's 13-year stay in the Premier League came to an abrupt end and gave manager Felix Magath his first taste of relegation as a coach.
In an early kickoff West Ham United guaranteed their safety, reaching 40 points with a 2-0 win over 10-man Tottenham Hotspur - their third victory over their London rivals this season.
Southampton won 1-0 at Swansea City with Rickie Lambert's stoppage time winner while Aston Villa, who began the day not mathematically safe, beat FA Cup finalists Hull City 3-1.
Man City were not at their best against an Everton side who have run out of steam of late but showed their mettle to claw out a hugely important victory.
They were stunned when Barkley curled a shot beyond Hart after 11 minutes but they were level soon afterwards when Aguero scored with a near-post shot shortly before hobbling off.
Dzeko's towering header gave City the lead in the 43rd minute and the tall striker stabbed in Samir Nasri's low cross early in the second half to give his side a cushion.
City retreated in the latter stages though and when Lukaku's diving header reduced the deficit in the 65th minute another twist in the title race looked possible.
Hart had to make one sharp save to deny Gerard Deulofeu but City held on to move into the final week of the season with a slender, but probably decisive, advantage.
(Reporting by Martyn Herman; editing by Josh Reich)
By Martyn Herman
LONDON Sat May 3, 2014 11:20pm BST
Manchester United caretaker player manager Ryan Giggs reacts during his side's English Premier League soccer match against Sunderland at Old Trafford in Manchester, May 3, 2014. REUTERS/Darren Staples
(Reuters) - Manchester United's deficiencies were laid bare by relegation battlers Sunderland on Saturday as a 1-0 home loss punctured the optimism induced by Ryan Giggs's promotion to caretaker manager.
The long-serving Giggs's first taste of managing his boyhood club had a cathartic effect last week in a 4-0 home win against relegation-threatened Norwich City which lifted some of the gloom of the ill-fated and short David Moyes era.
However, in-form Sunderland were worthy of a first Old Trafford victory since 1968 - a result which condemned United to a seventh home league defeat, their worst record since 1973-74 when they were relegated.
While things are certainly nowhere near as bad as during the dark days of the early 70s, the scale of the re-building job required during the summer was there for all to see.
Giggs, who is likely to step aside with Dutchman Louis van Gaal favourite to become the club's new manager, looked a frustrated figure as he stood in the technical area in a smart suit, unable to influence what was happening in front of him.
"We were putting five or 10-yard passes astray and if you do that in the Premier League you get punished," Giggs said.
"We've had a problem at home all season, it's not been good enough. I can't tell you anything about the next manager, I am just concentrating on the next game.
"The quality is still there in the dressing room but we didn't show it."
Victory would have given United a good chance to at least claim the consolation prize of Europa League football next season by edging out Tottenham Hotspur to sixth place.
That now looks unlikely as they remain six points behind the Londoners in seventh with two games left.
The 40-year-old Welshman's side huffed and puffed in search of an equaliser to Sebastian Larsson's goal but never really looked dangerous, especially with Wayne Rooney missing through illness and injury.
Giggs, still registered as a player at the club where he has won every honour in club football, sent on Robin van Persie, Danny Welbeck and Adnam Januzaj after the break, all to no avail.
"The players were a bit flat, why I don't know," Giggs said.
"We controlled the game but lacked that bit of quality in the final third."
Giggs said he might even consider picking himself for Tuesday's game against Hull City.
"I'll train over the next few days and if I'm fit enough I'll play," he said.
(Reporting by Martyn Herman, editing by Alan Baldwin)
Cardiff and Fulham relegated, Sunderland near survival
By Martyn Herman
LONDON Sat May 3, 2014 7:02pm BST
Fulham manager Felix Magath speaks to John Heitinga as they walk off at half time during their English Premier League soccer match against Stoke City at the Britannia stadium in Stoke, May 3, 2014. REUTERS/Eddie Keogh
(Reuters) - The trap door slammed shut on Cardiff City and Fulham as crushing away defeats condemned both clubs to relegation from the Premier League on Saturday while rejuvenated Sunderland moved to the brink of survival.
Sunderland's impressive burst of form continued as they earned a 1-0 win at Manchester United - a result that took them beyond the reach of Cardiff, 3-0 losers at Newcastle United, and Fulham who were crushed 4-1 at Stoke City.
Gus Poyet's side's third consecutive victory, clinched by Sebastian Larsson's well-worked winner on the half hour, took them to 35 points in 17th place with two games remaining while Cardiff (30) and Fulham (31) only have one left.
Sunderland will be guaranteed survival if Norwich City lose away at Chelsea on Sunday.
"I said a long time ago that we would fight to the end, and what a game of football we played today," Poyet, whose side reached the League Cup final this season, told the BBC.
"I don't know how many records have changed this season, we have been down there all season but if we win and stay up it's an incredible season."
"I hope my old team Chelsea give me a hand tomorrow," added the Uruguayan.
Shola Ameobi, Loic Remy and Steven Taylor all scored for Newcastle to make Cardiff's return to the top flight for the first time since 1962 a brief one.
While it was Cardiff who went down, however, the home fans were also restless with a protest during the match against manager Alan Pardew and owner Mike Ashley.
A 69th minute "walk-out" was planned and while many did vacate their seats it was not the thousands predicted.
Peter Odemwingie, Marko Arnautovic, Oussama Assaidi and Jonathan Walters all scored for Stoke as Fulham's 13-year stay in the Premier League came to an abrupt end.
Felix Magath, Fulham's third manager this season, suffered the first relegation in his long coaching career.
"There was no reason for that performance - it's the worst game since I've been here," Magath, whose side threw away 2-0 lead against Hull City last weekend, told the BBC.
"I didn't expect it. We were fighting against relegation. I told the team, today was a great chance but we never took the chance."
WEST HAM WIN
In an early kickoff West Ham United guaranteed their safety, reaching 40 points with a 2-0 win over 10-man Tottenham Hotspur - their third victory over their London rivals this season.
An own goal by Spurs striker Harry Kane and Stewart Downing's free kick put West Ham in control before halftime after Tottenham defender Younes Kaboul was red-carded for bundling over Downing who was racing towards goal.
Southampton won 1-0 at Swansea City with Rickie Lambert's stoppage time winner while Aston Villa, who began the day not mathematically safe, beat FA Cup finalists Hull City 3-1.
Attention turns to the title race later on Saturday when Manchester City take on fifth-placed Everton knowing a victory would put them top of the table, ahead of Liverpool, who play Crystal Palace on Monday, on goal difference.
Sunderland's revival was expected to come under severe scrutiny against a United side buoyed by Ryan Giggs' promotion to caretaker coach in the wake of David Moyes's sacking.
However, the Giggs effect did not materialise as it did against Norwich last weekend and Sunderland deservedly grabbed a first win at Old Trafford since 1968 when Larsson swept in a cross from Connor Wickham.
The visitors also hit the woodwork twice through Fabio Borini and Emanuele Giaccherini.
"I feel flat. The players were flat and I don't know why. Credit to Sunderland they are in good form, and they created the best chances. We lacked that bit of quality in the final third," Giggs said after United's 12th league defeat of the season.
Defeat left United in seventh spot, six points behind Tottenham and while they have a game extra to play they now look like missing out on Europa League football next season when Dutchman Louis van Gaal is favourite to be in charge.
(Reporting by Martyn Herman; editing by Josh Reich/Alan Baldwin)
