Premier League: Chelsea boosts top four hopes, Man United second

Premier League: Round-up Chelsea boosts top four hopes, Man United second

Cavani's blinder was the curtain raiser at Old Trafford, a delight for the fans allowed at the stadium. It ended 1-1 against Fulham. (Photo credit: Premierleague.com)

Tuesday night proved some form of difference in the Premier League’s race for top four finish, Manchester United were held by Fulham at Old Trafford in front of the fans but Edison Cavani’s wonder goal is enough to mesmerize them.

Elsewhere, Chelsea made a case for their top-four hopes, laying to rest (at least for now) all forms of fears around their recent form which culminated in them losing at home to Arsenal in the league and then a 1-0 loss at Wembley against Leicester in the FA Cup.

Leeds United blitzed past Southampton at St. Mary’s stadium, it was another routine win for probably the hungriest side in the league, like wild animals, chasing everything down till the very last minute and one can only imagine what they will look like next season with just an addition or two.

It wasn’t pretty however for the Champions, after being accorded their deserved guard of honour by Brighton players and officials, Man City raced to a lead but Joao Cancelo was sent off for a very weird tackle and Brighton took on the initiative from there.

But the fixture that mattered most on the night was the one at Stamford Bridge Stadium, the Blues had to win to banish ghosts of a difficult week and also have them revenge their cup final defeat to the Foxes, it never looked in doubt especially with Brendan Rodgers setting up to defend.

Chelsea are blunt in the final third, it’s a worst kept secret but their energetic midfield and industrious approach would always make up for their weaknesses upfront and that proved to be the case as the defence and the midfield weighed in with a goal each.

To be honest, Leicester were defensively poor, despite having just one plan which was to earn a point, they made silly mistakes and their best hands failed them on the night.

Wesley Fofana and Wilfred Ndidi had it rough and they now must hope for a miracle on the final day.

Liverpool must beat Burnley, three points for the Kops against the Clarets will see them leapfrog Leicester on goal difference.

And with the Foxes hosting Spurs on the final day, they will have to do it the hard way and then hope either Chelsea or Liverpool drop points on the final day.

Manchester United will end the season in second, a great improvement from their fourth-place finish last season, but they have to get back in shape for the all-important Europa League final against Villareal.

Manchester United will also sweat on the fitness of Scott McTominay who limped off in the 1-1 draw with relegated Fulham, but the real story of the night must be the sensational curtain-raiser from veteran Edison Cavani.

Would have been hurtful to say the least had VAR chalked it off.

Did Bruno Fernandes touch the ball? Story for another day but the finish from distance, deft lob, timed to perfection by Cavani would rank as one of the best for the season.

You heard it from us first, Leeds United will be the Westham of next season, with a signing or two and lots of discipline, maybe with luck on the injury front, and of course with Marcelo Bielsa staying, Leeds will challenge the big guns.