EPL: Race for European Qualifications Hot Up as Teams Jostle for Vital Points
By Sakiru Olopade
With three matches left to wrap up the English Premier League for the 2022/23 season, teams have started jostling for points to ensure their participation in both champions and Europa League next season.
In a must win game, Manchester United are closing on a Champions league spot, trailing Newcastle United, defeated Wolverhampton Wanderers by two goals to nill at Old Trafford.
The Erik Ten Hag’s side put their top four aspiration on course with the victory after back to back 1-0 defeats against Brighton and West Ham United.
The Red Devils went into the game with unwavering determination and were in control of the game throughout the duration of the encounter.
United could have recorded early goal, a defensive slip on the part of Wolverhampton and a beautiful cross from Luke Shaw were wasted by Antony.
However, in the 32nd minute, Anthony Martial blasted the ball into an empty net after Antony had drawn out Daniel Bentley, who was making his English Premier League debut.
The goal ignited the theater of dream, with United fans craving for more actions.
The leads United, after conceding the first goal, fought back gallantly but could not penetrate the Red Devils defense led by returned Raphael Varane after being sidelined for one month due to injury.
The Leads United should be thankful to their goalie, who was their saving grace, making daring saves from several incursions from Casemiro, Eriksen and Bruno Fernandez.
As Alejandro Ganarcho came into the fray to seal victory for United with the second goal at the stoppage time.
With the victory, Manchester United, then go four points clear of the fifth placed Liverpool.
Erik Ten Hag’s will travel to Bournemouth, next Saturday by 3pm, while Chelsea will square up against Manchester United in the last game at Old Trafford.
Newcastle United, occupying the 3rd position on the EPL log, shared the spoils with the struggling Leads United.
Sam Allardyce’s side gave away two penalties and missed one to end the crucial encounter by 2-2 draw to continue the fight to avoid relegation to the championship.
At Villa Park, Aston Villa , after back to back defeats, put back on track their europa qualification with the 2-1 victory against Tottenham Hotspurs. Unai Emery’s side are on the same points with the sixth placed Tottenham Hotspurs.
With this scenario, the quest for both champions and Europa League will be a photo finish amongst the top seven teams in the EPL.