dimanche 15 mai 2011

Chelsea held by Newcastle after late Taylor goal

LONDON (Reuters) - Chelsea missed the chance to effectively seal the Premier League runners-up spot after a late Steven Taylor header secured Newcastle United a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Poor marking allowed Taylor to nod home from close range in stoppage time after Brazilian defender Alex looked to have given the Londoners the three points when he put his side 2-1 up on 83 minutes.
Chelsea have 71 points from 37 matches and can still be caught for second place by Arsenal, who have 67 points from 36 and host Aston Villa later on Sunday (1500).
FA Cup winners Manchester City, who like Arsenal have two matches remaining, can also get to 71 points but have a far inferior goal difference to their rivals.
Manchester United were crowned English champions for a record 19th time on Saturday.
Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti again faced questions over his Stamford Bridge future after a season in which his side failed to win any silverware.
"I don't know what happens, we have to wait and after that I can explain," the Italian told Chelsea's website (www.chelseafac.com).
"Everyone can give their opinion about my job here but it is the club that has to take a decision and judge my job.
"If my job is good I will stay. If they think my job was not good I have to go. In my opinion sometimes I did a good job, sometimes I could do better."
Branislav Ivanovic fired Chelsea into a second minute lead against Newcastle after Fernando Torres flicked on a corner but his strike was quickly cancelled out by Jonas Gutierrez's fortuitous goal.
Ryan Taylor blasted a free kick towards the Chelsea goal and it ricocheted off the shoulder of Gutierrez and wrongfooted Petr Cech.
Chelsea enjoyed the greater spells of possession without looking menacing until they profited from Newcastle keeper Tim Krul's header.
The Dutchman came out of his goal to meet Frank Lampard's freekick but missed getting a touch, allowing Alex to head home.
Chelsea again failed to hang on to their lead, conceding two minutes into added time from a corner.
In other matches on Sunday, Liverpool can secure fifth place and a spot in next season's Europa League at the expense of Tottenham Hotspur, who they face at Anfield (1500).
West Ham United will be the first team to be relegated if they fail to beat fellow strugglers Wigan Athletic at the DW stadium.

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