Manchester United AND Chelsea on Wednesday boosted their chances for European football next season with crucial victories in the English Premier League on Wednesday.
Amad Diallo and Rasmus Hojlund helped Manchester United to a 3-2 win over Newcastle at Old Trafford to move level on points with the Magpies.
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Kobbie Mainoo’s opening goal was enough to put Erik ten Hag’s team in the lead at the interval but Anthony Gordon levelled things up early in the second half in an entertaining contest that was packed with chances at both ends of the pitch.
Amad restored the advantage, firing in his first Premier League goal from the edge of the penalty box, before Hojlund came off the bench to double the lead. Lewis Hall’s goal made it a nervy finish but only goal difference now keeps Newcastle in seventh spot.
Meanwhile, in-form Chelsea held on to beat Brighton 2-1 after Reece James’ late red card, meaning they move up to sixth in the Premier League and edge towards European football next season.
Goals from Cole Palmer and Christopher Nkunku had put the visitors in control at the Amex but it was a nervy finale for Mauricio Pochettino’s men after captain James kicked out at Joao Pedro and was sent off following a VAR check with two minutes of normal time remaining. Brighton could not add to Danny Welbeck’s close-range finish seven minutes into injury time, though.
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A sixth-place finish will earn Chelsea Europa League football, should Man City win the FA Cup, or a UEFA Conference League spot, if Man Utd beat their rivals at Wembley. There is yet hope of stealing fifth off London rivals Tottenham, should Spurs surprisingly slip up at Sheffield United on the final day.
But regardless of what happens elsewhere, Chelsea supporters will be buoyed by their side’s run of four straight victories, with their travelling fanbase able to celebrate back-to-back away wins for the first time in 2024.
