Manchester United's grip on the Premiership appeared for a while to slacken off as they fell a goal behind to Wigan Athletic on a wet and windy night in Wigan.
Following a brief tussle with United defender Nemanja Vidic, who ended up on his arse, Wigan's Colombian striker Rodallega poked the ball past Van Der Saar. Vidic was vociferouly adamant that he'd been fouled, but hey Nemanja, get real son. It's a man's game. The goal was good.
Liverpudlian hearts were momentarily lifted as both teams slid on their arses with alarming regularity, but it was not to last.
In the second half, Tevez equalised on the hour with a neat backheel and the onslaught began.
In the 86th minute, O'Shea crossed from the left and Carrick picked his spot. 1-2 to United. Wigan threw everybody upfield in the dying minutes but failed to make an impact. United need just one point from the game against Arsenal at Old Trafford to secure the club's 18th championship, and equalling Liverpool's seemingly unassailable tally.
But the mood among United supporters was surprisingly sombre as they filed out of the JJB Stadium this evening. One told us:
"It looks like we've won the league now. We only need one point from two remaining games and we're capable of that. But I feel really sorry for the Liverpool lads. That's taken some of the lustre off this for us. Liverpool thought they were capable of doing it this season, and their season was alive and kicking until just a few short days ago, and now? They're just left clutching at smoke, ashes, a whole lot of nothing. It's tragic. I'm really gutted for them."
Wow. Amazing.
More as we get it.
