EPL: Aston Villa 3-2 Everton: Christian Benteke scores twice in vital win in battle for survival

Christian Benteke's first-half double helped Aston Villa boost their chances of Premier League survival with a 3-2 home win over Everton.

Benteke's 10th-minute header gave Villa the lead on Saturday, before the Belgian scored his 12th goal in 11 games with a far-post finish before the break.

Everton halved the deficit in the second half through Romelu Lukaku's penalty, but Villa regained their two-goal lead five minutes later through Tom Cleverley's neat finish.

Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood was thrilled with their 3-2 win

Phil Jagielka's header in stoppage time made it 3-2, but Villa held on and the result keeps them two points clear of the drop zone with three games remaining. 

After Leicester's 3-0 win over Newcastle earlier in the day, Villa were under pressure to earn a positive result, and they duly started the brighter.

Tim Sherwood's side were ahead after just 10 minutes, Benteke rising high above Leighton Baines to connect with Fabian Delph's deep cross from six yards.

Belgian striker Benteke celebrates putting Villa 1-0 up early on

They were nearly 2-0 up from another set piece, but unmarked Ron Vlaar's header from close range went just wide of Tim Howard’s goal.

But Villa did double their lead just before half-time, as Jack Grealish's dangerous corner evaded Vlaar but was met by Benteke at the far post to slide home from a couple of yards.

Everton improved after half-time, and earned a penalty after some poor defending from Villa resulted in Vlaar bringing down Steven Naismith.

Everton manager Roberto Martinez was full of mixed emotions following the defeat

Lukaku rolled the ball just beyond Shay Given for 2-1, but moments later Villa scored against the run of play.

After being put through on goal by a fine through ball from Leandro Bacuna, Cleverley struck the ball high past Howard for his second goal in two games (64).

Villa had most of the play for the remaining 25 minutes, but Everton made for a nervy last two as Jagielka nodded the ball over the line after a melee-  despite Shay Given's appeals for a foul in the six-yard box.

Sherwood's Villa held on for his fourth Premier League win as manager, but results elsewhere mean the hosts are still in a battle for survival. 

Everton manager Roberto Martinez was full of mixed emotions following the defeat

Soccer Saturday verdict – Charlie Nicholas

"This is the best I’ve seen Aston Villa in a long time. For me they have an all-round balance. They have energy, desire, positive passing and running, it was all there today. Villa were more than worthy of the three points and they looked a really good side today. 

"Delph was absolutely magical today, Westwood sat in front of the back allowed Delph and Cleverley to go show their energy. Benteke was a constant problem for Everton. This is by far and away the best Aston Villa performance this season."

Benteke nets a second to put Villa 2-0 up

Player ratings

Aston Villa: Given (6), Bacuna (7), Vlaar (5), Okore (7), Richardson (6), Westwood (7), Cleverley (7), Delph (8), N'Zogbia (7), Grealish (8), Benteke (8)

Subs: Cole (5), Hutton (5), Sanchez (5)

Everton: Howard (5), Baines (6), Jagielka (5), Stones (5), Coleman (4), Barry (5), McCarthy (4), Mirallas (5), Naismith (5), Lennon (5), Lukaku (6)

Subs: Barkley (5), Osman (5)

Man of the match: Christian Benteke

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Andy Murray reaches Munich final

Andy Murray: Beat Roberto Bautista Agut to reach the Munich final

Andy Murray won twice on Saturday at the Munich Open to reach his third ATP final of the year after the Australian Open and the Miami Masters.

The top seed firstly bounced back from a set down to defeat Lukas Rosol in a bad-tempered quarter-final and he then saw off tough Spanish third seed Roberto Bautista Agut 6-4 6-4 in his semi-final tie after a schedule pile-up caused by bad weather on Friday.

In the final he will play Germany's Philipp Kohlschreiber - who will be backed by the vast majority of the Munich crowd on Sunday. Kohlschriber beat Gerald Melzer of Austria 2-6 6-1 6-4 in his semi.

The Barcelona Open quarter-finalist Bautista Agut was no match for Murray in the last four as the former Wimbledon and US Open champion hit form in what is his first clay-court tournament of the year.

Murray was broken early, but battled back and broke the Spaniard twice on his way to taking the first set.

And one more break was sufficient in the second set for Murray to hold off his world No 16-ranked opponent and wrap up victory.

Murray's work was still not done even after he reached the final. He still had the semi-finals of the men's doubles to play - and that proved a step too far. 

He and partner Jean-Julien Rojer were beaten 6-3 6-2 by top seeds Alexander Peya and Bruno Soares

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EPL: Sunderland 2-1 Southampton: Jordi Gomez boosts Black Cats' survival hopes

Sunderland gave their survival hopes a massive boost as Jordi Gomez calmly tucked away a pair of penalties to secure a 2-1 win over Southampton on a dramatic afternoon at the Stadium of Light.

Southampton had James Ward-Prowse sent off for his part in the second penalty incident but almost snatched a point with the last kick of the game, only for Costel Pantilimon to save Sunderland with a great save from sub Steven Davis.

Sunderland remain in the drop zone, Leicester having won earlier in the day, but the Black Cats are only a point from safety and have a game on most of their rivals, so hope is very much alive on Wearside.

Jordi Gomez: Delighted Sunderland picked up the points

The first game between these two clubs this season was won 8-0 by Southampton but a repeat never looked on the cards, Sunderland going about their work with a lot more vigour on this occasion.

Danny Graham was recalled in attack by the boss Dick Advocaat and he was off-target with an early half-chance after latching onto a neat pass from Billy Jones.

And the hosts took the lead in the 21st minute when Saints defender Maya Yoshida could only head a speculative long pass up into the air and Jose Fonte then sent Graham to the turf with a recklessly high challenge.

Gomez calmly tucked the spot-kick into the corner of the net but the hosts then handed Southampton an equaliser just a minute later.

Fonte’s punt forward did not look very dangerous but there was a mix-up at the back and after Pantilimon spilled the ball following a collision with Sebastian Coates, Mane was happy to sweep the ball into the unguarded net.

Jordi Gomez scores Sunderland's - and his - second goal from the penalty spot to secure three points

Undeterred by the concession of such a soft leveller, Sunderland pushed forward, eager to regain the initiative, and Jermain Defoe blazed over, while Graziano Pelle headed off-target at the other end.

Connor Wickham then squandered a fantastic chance, side-footing over the top after marauding full-back Patrick van Aanholt had picked him out with a fine low cross.

There was more frustration for Sunderland before half-time as Kelvin Davis in the Southampton goal kept the scores level, scrambling across his goal to keep out a close-range Defoe header with a fine one-handed save, and then parrying away a Sebastian Larsson free-kick.

But the hosts started the second-half in lively fashion and the turning point of the match went their way 10 minutes after the break.

Graham did really well in the box, eluding a challenge and then playing in Defoe, who was let down by his first touch but was felled by a clumsy Ward-Prowse challenge in any case.

Referee Mike Jones pointed to the spot and, while that may well have been the right call, the Southampton players were stunned that he also reached for a straight red.

Gomez was unbothered and having put his first spot-kick into the right-hand corner, he went to the left this time, successfully sending Davis the wrong way.

Despite being down to 10 men, Southampton bossed the remaining half-hour or so but struggled to create chances against a packed home defence.

Pelle appealed for a penalty when his shot seemed to hit Coates on the arm as the defender slid in to block but it would have been harsh and ref Jones was not interested.

Southampton’s best chances came late on but Vergini did well to get in the way after his fellow sub Filip Djuricic had chested the ball down in the box.

Vergini then blotted his copybook, giving the ball away in stoppage-time with a careless back-heel deep in his own territory but, when the cross came over, Pantilimon was on hand to deny Davis and Sunderland’s fans were able to breathe a huge sigh of relief.

Paul Merson: Referee made two key decisions which determined the outcome of the game

Soccer Saturday verdict – Paul Merson

“The first one is definitely a penalty; he’s kicked his head quite high. Literally a minute later, Fonte lumps a hopeful ball into the box. Pantilimon comes to collect it and his own player completely takes him out.

"After that, there wasn’t a lot in it. Southampton weren’t their fluent selves and obviously, Sunderland were nervous towards the end, because it was a very, very big win. The second penalty is touch and go – probably a penalty but not a sending off, so the ref wasn’t that bad.

“Sunderland have got to play tough teams. It’s all about timing, these fixtures are all about what other teams have got to play for. If they'd have lost that game (today), I think they’d have been relegated.”

Player ratings

Sunderland: Pantilimon (7), B Jones (7), Van Aanholt (7), Coates (5), O'Shea (6), Cattermole (7), J Gomez (8), Larsson (7), Defoe (6), Wickham (6), Graham (8)

Subs: Vergini (6), Johnson (6), Rodwell (6)

Southampton: K Davis (8), Bertrand (6), Clyne (6), Fonte (5), Yoshida (6), Alderweireld (6), Long (6), Mane (7), Wanyama (6), Ward-Prowse (6), Pelle (6)

Subs: S Davis (7), Djuricic (6), Elia (6)

Man of the match: Jordi Gomez

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EPL: West Ham 1-0 Burnley: Mark Noble penalty edges Burnley closer to drop

Mark Noble: Celebrates goal for West Ham

​Burnley are on the verge of relegation from the Premier League after a Mark Noble penalty saw them lose 1-0 at West Ham.

Noble's first-half spot-kick, which saw Michael Duff sent off for a foul on Cheikhou Kouyate, left the Clarets bottom of the table - eight points from safety with just three games to go.

Mark Noble and Burnley's David Jones in action

And wins on Saturday for relegation rivals Aston Villa, Sunderland and Leicester means that Sean Dyche's side will now almost certainly be returning to the Championship next season.

It was a slow start at Upton Park, with no real chances until the 20-minute mark when Danny Ings, now without a goal in 10 matches, should have done better than head over the bar after losing his marker in the box.

But just a couple of minutes later, West Ham were ahead through Noble's penalty, Kouyate brought down by Duff's hanging leg following a jinking run into the box.

Cheikhou Kouyate of West Ham United is brought down by Michael Duff

Duff was dismissed by referee Jon Moss, much to the fury of his team-mates, and Noble sent Tom Heaton the wrong way with the resulting spot-kick.

It could have been worse were it not for Heaton, who first saved superbly from a close-range effort by Enner Valencia, before making a smart stop at his near post after a powerful shot from Morgan Amalfitano to keep the deficit to just a single goal at the break.

Mark Noble: Pleased with hard-fought victory

West Ham's intensity dropped, although they did have their chances through Amalfitano - whose curling effort flashed just wide - then captain Kevin Nolan, who hit the keeper from 12 yards when he was free in the area.

Former Hammers midfielder Matt Taylor drew a smart stop from Adrian, while Ings was denied by the side netting.

Michael Duff of Burnley walks off the pitch after receiving a red card

But though the game opened up, Burnley could not rally in the dying moments and could now be relegated next weekend away at Hull.

Player ratings

West Ham: Adrian 7, Jenkinson 6, Collins 6, Burke 6, Cresswell 7, Amalfitano 7, Noble 7, Kouyate 7, Nolan 6, Downing 6, Valencia 6 

Subs: Nene 5, Cole 5

Burnley: Heaton 7, Trippier 6, Shackell 6, Duff 4, Mee 5, Boyd 5, Arfield 5, Jones 5, Taylor 5, Barnes 5, Ings 5

Subs: Keane 5, Sordell 5, Wallace 5

Man of the match: Mark Noble

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EPL: Liverpool 2-1 QPR: Steven Gerrard's late header rescues victory

Steven Gerrard: Heads winner at Anfield

Steven Gerrard's late header kept Liverpool's slim Champions League qualification hopes alive and pushed QPR a step closer to relegation as Brendan Rodgers' side sealed a 2-1 victory at Anfield.

On his penultimate appearance at Anfield, Gerrard missed the penalty that would have restored the hosts' lead after Leroy Fer's volley had cancelled out Philippe Coutinho's first-half goal.

But he showed a enduring knack for picking the moment when he pounced three minutes from time.

Defeat leaves QPR - who had Nedum Onouha sent off for two bookable offences within the space of four minutes,  seven points from safety with just nine to play for and Manchester City up next.

Liverpool close the gap on Manchester United - playing West Brom in the Saturday Night Football cllash - to four points in the race for Champions League qualification but some supporters made feelings known; a plane trailed a 'Rodgers out, Rafa (Benitez) in' banner across Anfield before kick-off.  

Philippe Coutinho: Opened the scoring for Liverpool

There was a sombre atmosphere around Anfield before kick-off, though, after the news of the death of QPR defender Rio Ferdinand’s wife, Rebecca, and Liverpool paid their respects before the game as Gerrard handed Joey Barton a bouquet of flowers to pass onto Ferdinand.

The visitors, who wore black armbands, thought they had the lead just seconds into the game as Fer bundled home Matt Phillips’ corner, only to the see the linesman flag for a goal-kick after the ball went out of play.

It took Liverpool until the 16th minute to have their first attempt on goal and it was Rickie Lambert, making his first start in the Premier League since December 6th, who had it, cutting inside on his right foot before firing a shot straight at Green.

Steven Gerrard is consoled by Martin Skrtel after missing penalty

Despite QPR’s promising start, it was Liverpool who took the lead as Lambert picked out Coutinho with a pass from the right wing and the Brazilian took one touch, before curling the ball beyond Green and into the top corner (19).

Liverpool were finishing the half the stronger and they thought they should have had a penalty when Raheem Sterling’s cross appeared to hit Clint Hill’s arm, but referee Martin Atkinson remained unmoved.

Rodgers’ side had one final chance to double their advantage just before the break as Gerrard fired a free-kick goalwards but Green moved to his right well to make a smart save.

QPR boss Chris Ramsey was forced into a change at half-time with Yun Suk-young replacing the injured Steven Caulker, but it failed to stem Liverpool’s attacking threat. Adam Lallana was the first to go close as he dragged his shot wide before Sterling missed a glorious chance at the far post after Jordan Henderson’s brilliant cross.

Matt Le Tissier gives his thoughts on Liverpool's 2-1 win over Queen's Park Rangers.

The hosts looked like they had paid the price for not taking their chances when Fer's strike gave QPR hope of a point with 17 minutes remaining, but Gerrard eventually got them out of trouble.

The Liverpool skipper was handed his first chance to win the game in the 80th minute as Onuoha bundled Skrtel to the floor in the box, but, from 12 yards, Green was Gerrard’s nemesis again.

Minutes later, Onuoha - who was booked for the foul on Skrtel - received a second yellow card after a late challenge on Jordan Ibe, and with just three minutes remaining, Gerrard made up for his penalty miss to head home Coutinho’s corner.

Steven Gerrard: Delighted to score winner after missing penalty

Anfield rose as one as the 34-year-old was substituted soon after to hail another matchwinning performance, Liverpool still just in the hunt with three games remaining but QPR's fate at the other end all-but sealed.

Player Ratings

Liverpool: Mignolet (6), Can (7), Skrtel (6), Lovren (6), Johnson (6), Gerrard (7), Henderson (7), Lallana (6), Sterling (6), Coutinho (7), Lambert (6).

Subs used: Lucas (5), Ibe (5), Markovic (5).

QPR: Green (7), Onuoha (4), Caulker (5), Dunne (6), Hill (6), Phillips (6), Sandro (6), Barton (5), Henry (5), Leroy Fer (7), Austin (6).

Subs used: Yun(6), Zamora (6).

Man of the match: Philipe Coutinho

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Odemwingie: Hughes trusts my ability

The forward has attributed his quick return to playing ways to the Potters manager’s believe in his potentials as he eyes a place in Europe with his EPL side.

Nigeria international and Stoke City striker Peter Odemwingie has  said his early return to first team action to manager Mark Hughes’ believe in his ability.

The 33-year-old player saw tem minutes of action on his return to the Potters’ line up after an eight month break owing to his cruciate knee ligament injury.
According to him, it feels great with the reception and motivation plus his manager’s believe in him.
"I feel really, really happy, especially with the reception, and the encouragement I've had throughout my injury," Odemwingie told Stokesentinel.
"It was very motivating to come back because people didn't think I would come back before the end of the season.
"[Mark Hughes] trusts my ability, which is a big lift for me," he added.
"He believes that with my experience over so many years in the game, I will still be able to do the right things when picked.
“I was surprised to come back because I was planning to play a few games in the reserves, but I got a few goals in training and I was happy because the faster you meet the enemy the better life can be.”
He also expressed his hopes for the future here at Stoke when it comes to qualifying for European football.
"If it doesn't happen this season, it will happen soon," he continued.
"Mark Hughes is a big attraction himself to players and after two solid seasons, maybe the next one will be even better.
"We don't look like a team whose ambitions are just to stay in the league.
"We are aiming for higher things and we have the feel of a big club," he concluded.

The former Cardiff City player was on parade on Saturday afternoon as his side crumbled 2-0 to Swansea City. He replaced Jonathan Walters in the 81st minute of the encounter played at the Liberty Stadium.

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PHOTOS: Christian Eriksen shares photo of his Nike boots

Christian Dannemann Eriksen (born 14 February 1992) is a Danish footballer who plays for English club Tottenham Hotspur shared a photo of his Nike football boots....

Check it out and comment.....

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Scottish Championship: Hearts hit back to draw 2-2 with Rangers at Tynecastle

The party starts at Hearts who lift the trophy following their 2-2 draw at Tynecastle against Ranhers

Genero Zeefuik scored twice during the final eight minutes as Hearts salvaged a 2-2 draw against Rangers, who threatened to spoil the Tynecastle party for the runway Scottish Championship winners.

On a day when the Edinburgh side were presented with the trophy, after topping the table by 23 points, Rangers took a two-goal lead before the break and were heading for three points before Zeefuik saved the day for the hosts.

Rangers themselves had arrived in the capital knowing only a win would suffice if they were to stand any chance of wrestling second spot from Hibernian.

However, with Hibs winning 3-0 at Falkirk, Rangers’s late lapse did not turn out to be crucial, leaving Stuart McCall’s side knowing that they now face a potential six play-off matches if they are to reach the holy grail of the Scottish Premiership.

Darren McGregor heads Rangers in front at Tyncastle

With the atmosphere buzzing during the early stages, Hearts dominated possession and created the first real chance of the game after 10 minutes when Miguel Pallardo’s slide-rule pass to Jamie Walker sent the forward through on goal only to be denied by an excellent save by Cammie Bell.

But against the run of play, Rangers went ahead in the 32nd minute when Nicky Law’s free-kick was met by Darren McGregor who found enough space in a crowded area to head home from 10 yards.

Tynecastle then erupted in a torrent of boos as Osman Sow went down under a challenge by Bell but referee Calum Murray opted not to award Hearts a penalty.

And within 30 seconds, Rangers went up the other end and grabbed a second goal with an unmarked Kenny Miller enjoying the simple task of converting Richard Foster’s low cross five minutes before the break.

As Hearts tried to get back into the match, in what was a more muted second-half atmosphere, Walker tested Bell from 25 yards but the visiting keeper was always in control of matters.

Bell had to be more alert a few minutes later as he blocked Kevin McHattie from close range.

Marius Zaliukas missed a great chance to head Rangers further ahead on 76 and, just when it appeared that Hearts were to suffer only a second home league defeat of the season, Zeefuik pulled a goal back when he headed home a deep Morgaro Gomis cross.

And with 89 minutes on the clock, substitute Zaliukas lashed home the equaliser from 12 yards after Rangers had failed to clear a loose ball.

The result leaves Rangers facing a two-legged play-off against Queen of the South, with the winners of that contest taking on Hibernian.

And, whoever emerges victorious from this encounter, will face another two-legged clash against the team that finishes 11th in the Scottish Premiership.

However, the day belonged to Hearts who head back to the Scottish Premiership at the first attempt following just three defeats in 36 matches.

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England Championship: Blackburn 3 Ipswich 2: Ipswich into play-offs despite defeat

Daryl Murphy: Scored twice for the Tractor Boys

Ipswich stumbled over the line in their bid for a play-off place despite a 3-2 defeat at Blackburn, with Norwich awaiting them.

Mick McCarthy's side began the afternoon in fifth place with a three-point cushion to seventh and could hardly have started better at Ewood Park with Daryl Murphy volleying them ahead after just two minutes.

But Jordan Rhodes and Craig Conway struck before half-time to put Blackburn 2-1 up and with results elsewhere, Ipswich dropped to sixth, hanging on courtesy of goal difference.

Ipswich stumbled over the line in their bid for a Championship play-off place despite a 3-2 defeat at Blackburn

Rudy Gestede made it 3-1 from close range in the second half to shred the nerves of the visiting fans, whose side fought frantically to get back in the game.

They hit a second through Murphy's late penalty - his 27th goal of the season - and, although they could not draw level, any worries were alleviated with a loud cheer from the visiting end signalled Derby's capitulation.

Ipswich have only won two of their last 10 away from home but will not care after securing a mouth-watering play-off tie with Norwich.

David Dunn was handed his first league start of the season and the captain's armband on his final Blackburn appearance, replacing the ineligible Paul Taylor in one of two changes from the draw at Huddersfield.

McCarthy recalled Jay Tabb in for Stephen Hunt who dropped to the bench.

Mick McCarthy says Ipswich will approach the play-off game against Norwich the same as they always do despite a nervy defeat at Blackburn

The visitors made an ideal start when Tabb's corner was ferociously volleyed home by Murphy in the second minute from 12 yards, giving Rovers goalkeeper David Raya no chance on his Ewood Park debut.

Freddie Sears hit the bar from a tight angle after 15 minutes but Rovers levelled in the 36th minute when Conway's superb free-kick was headed home by Rhodes from six yards for his 21st goal of the season.

And Rovers turned the tables completely six minutes later when Gestede headed on a long throw and Conway ghosted in behind the Ipswich defence to volley into the bottom corner.

Early in the second half, Rhodes reacted quickest from close range to fire goalwards but Bartosz Bialkowski was in the right place to somehow prevent a third.

Things got worse for McCarthy's men after 57 minutes when a clearance off Conway's left-wing cross hit an Ipswich player and fell invitingly to Gestede who prodded home his 22nd of the campaign.

Sears then missed the easiest chance of the afternoon when Tyrone Mings' header was parried by Raya to the forward two yards out and he somehow lifted it over the bar.

It could have been worse for Ipswich after 77 minutes but Josh King's thunderous 20-yard half-volley crashed back off the bar and was cleared.

Murphy scored his and Ipswich's second of the game from the spot eight minutes from time when Teddy Bishop was brought down by Tommy Spurr and though they could not equalise, Ipswich maintained their promotion hopes.

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Footballer Rio Ferdinand loses 34 year old wife to cancer

Former England defender Rio Ferdinand announced this morning that his wife of six years and mother of his three children, Rebecca Ferdinand died in a hospital in London following a short battle with cancer. Ferdinand announced the sad news on the club's website this morning. He said: 

'My soul mate slipped away last night. Rebecca, my wonderful wife, passed away peacefully after a short battle with cancer at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London. She was a fantastic loving mother to our three beautiful children. She will be missed as a wife, sister, aunt, daughter and granddaughter. She will live on in our memory, as a guide and inspiration.

'Myself, my parents Janice and Julian, along with Rebecca's parents Lesley and Stephen, would like to thank our families, friends and my club colleagues who have rallied around in these desperate days, weeks and months. I would also like to express my gratitude for the dedication and expertise of the staff led by Professors Johnstone and Clarke at the Royal Marsden. Their valiant efforts to prolong Rebecca's all-too-short life will not be forgotten.

'Our grief, as a family, is total. We would appreciate being allowed to mourn privately.'

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