Tenth title for Sir Alex
9:22am Monday 12th May 2008
SIR ALEX Ferguson celebrated his tenth Premier League title last night after Manchester United pipped championship rivals Chelsea to the post on the final day of the campaign.
With a comprehensive goal difference separating the two sides before play, United knew a victory at Wigan would safeguard their position at the top of the table.
And, courtesy of goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Ryan Giggs, United retained the crown they wrestled from Chelsea 12 months ago.
The Blues, who meet United for the Champions League final in Moscow later this month, could only draw 1-1 at home to Bolton.
First I want to congratulate Manchester United,'' said coach Avram Grant. They had a great season and I have sent a message to Alex Ferguson congratulating him. He is a great manager and a great person. I like him personally. I wished him all the best.
It is amazing what he has done. I remember at the start when he had problems so it is an amazing achievement.
And while Middlesbrough completed a memorable 8-1 win over Manchester City, there were defeats for Sunderland and Newcastle against Arsenal and Everton respectively.
With none of the North-East clubs involved in the fight against relegation yesterday, it was Fulham left popping the champagne after safeguarding top-flight status with a 1-0 win at Portsmouth.
The Cottagers' narrow victory means that Reading and Birmingham City join Derby County back in the Championship next season.
There was more woe for Chelsea when captain John Terry was forced out of the game with a serious shoulder injury.
He was first out of the tunnel for a lap of honour after the draw to thank the fans for their support with his arm and shoulder strapped in a sling.
He suffered a partial dislocation of the shoulder and is a major doubt for next weeks' Champions League final in Moscow.