Chelsea had double reason to celebrate on Saturday, as they not only moved into the FA Cup final thanks to a 1-0 win over Manchester City, but also enjoyed a boost in their top-four aspirations in the Premier League.
Indeed, it was not only the Blues who were given cause for celebration on Saturday, as Liverpool in sixth were given an invitation to jump into the top four on Monday, when they will face Leeds, thanks to West Ham’s shock 3-2 loss at Newcastle.
Despite being 2-0 down and reduced to 10 men thanks to a first-half red card for Craig Dawson, West Ham clawed the game back to 2-2 only to lose out late on.
David Moyes’ men have now played 32 games, one more than Chelsea, who are just a point back from them, and Liverpool, who are three points behind with a superior goal difference.
Indeed, for Steve Bruce’s side, the victory will go a long way to guaranteeing their survival, which had looked perilous until successive wins. Their tally of 35 points is nine more than Fulham in 18th.
Meanwhile, Sheffield United became the first team to be relegated from the Premier League on the day that Norwich’s promotion was confirmed from the Championship. The Blades have had a wretched season and sit on just 14 points.
Their latest loss came at the hands od Wolves, who have leapt into a mid-table position.
Due to the FA Cup semi-finals, there is a reduced calendar this weekend, although Arsenal host Fulham and Manchester United meet Burnley in Sunday’s kick offs.
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