Coventry City have been relegated to the Nationwide First Division following their dramatic 3-2 defeat away to Aston Villa this afternoon. City, who have had 33 uninterrupted seasons in the top flight had looked like surviving for another day after racing into a two-goal lead at half-time. Moroccan international Mustapha Hadji grabbed both goals with a close range header and a stinging left-foot volley from the edge of the penalty area to give the Sky Blues hope of another great escape.
But it wasn't to be as an error from young 'keeper Chris Kirkland allowed Darius Vassell to pull one back after 61 minutes and Juan Pablo Angel struck his first Premiership goal with a tremendous volley nine minutes from time. Paul Merson delivered the final blow to Gordon Strachan's men in the 86th minute with a sensational 30-yard drive to consign The Sky Blues to First Division football next season.
Elsewhere, Derby's surprise 1-0 win over champions Manchester United has guaranteed their Premiership status for another season. Malcolm Christie was the hero with his first goal in 17 games, his 34th minute strike spoiling United's championship celebrations as they received the Premiership trophy after the match. Middlesbrough remain the masters of their own destiny after today's 1-1 draw with Bradford at Valley Parade, Christian Karembeu's drive nine minutes from time cancelling out Wayne Jacobs' first-half effort.
At the other end of the table, Arsenal emerged victorious from their bruising encounter with Leeds United, with goals from Freddie Ljungberg and Sylvain Wiltord. Ian Harte replied with a well struck free-kick to force a tense finale to an evenly matched contest, but The Gunners held on to win 2-1 and secure the second automatic Champions League place. A Michael Owen hat-trick against Newcastle has edged Liverpool closer to a Champions League spot, while Chelsea's 2-1 win at Everton has ensured a UEFA Cup spot for Claudio Ranieri's men. Goals from Kevin Kilbane and Niall Quinn helped Sunderland to a 3-2 win over Charlton, while West Ham recorded a 3-0 win over Southampton to retain their place in the top flight. Finally, Leicester beat Tottenham 4-2, with Steve Carr getting on the scoresheet for Spurs.
Filed by Shane Murray
