May 25, 2009

Lifeless Newcastle pay the price


Newcastle United have been relegated from the Premier League after a 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa.

Gareth Barry's 38th minute shot deflected off Damien Duff and wrongfooted Steve Harper for the only goal of the game.

Hull City's home defeat by Manchester United meant Newcastle only needed a point to survive but in a limp second half showing they failed to muster a shot on target.

Darron Gibson's superb strike sealed a winning end to Manchester United's season as Sir Alex Ferguson's second string proved too much for the battling Tigers.

Middlesbrough fell 2-1 at Upton Park as their drop to the Championship was confirmed. Goals from Carlton Cole and Junior Stanislas came either side of a Gary O'Neil effort.

Sunderland were beaten 3-2 by Chelsea at the Stadium of Light as Nicolas Anelka secured the golden boot. He lashed home a drive from 20 yards to give the Blues a 47th minute lead but Kieran Richardson equalised instantly.

Salomon Kalou and Ashley Cole re-established Chelsea's lead before Kenwyne Jones grabbed an injury time consolation goal.

Liverpool ended Spurs' Europa League hopes with a 3-1 win at Anfield. Fernando Torres and an own goal from Alan Hutton gave the Reds a strong lead before Robbie Keane scored on his return to Anfield.

A late Yossi Benayoun goal sealed Liverpool's win.

Arsenal thumped Stoke 4-1 at the Emirates. James Beattie's own goal began the rout while Robin van Persie netted twice for the Gunners. Abou Diaby added the other goal. The Potters could only muster a Ricardo Fuller penalty.

Two goals from Leon Osman helped Everton sink Fulham, who qualify for the Europa League, while Jason Roberts' red card was the only incident of note in the goalless draw between Blackburn and West Brom at Ewood Park.

Wigan beat Portsmouth 1-0 at the JJB thanks to Hugo Rodallega's goal.

At Eastlands, Felipe Caicedo's early strike was enough to beat Bolton Wanderers.

Alhaji Ladi Lawal is dead.


Alhaji Ladi Lawal was the Group Managing Director of Daar Communications (owners of AIT, Raypower, Daarsat) and former Chairman of Lagos State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ). He died yesterday 23rd May after a brief illness. He has since been buried. He was aged 54. May his soul rest in peace, Amen.