Sunderland’s quest to keep their Premier League status was further boosted courtesy of a win at Manchester United while west Londoners Fulham and Welsh outfit Cardiff City got relegated from the Premier League.

Having claimed seven points from a possible nine in their last three matches including at Manchester City and Chelsea, Sunderland added Manchester United to their list of scalps following a 1-0 win at Old Trafford this afternoon.

Sunderland’s goal came after 30 minutes through midfielder Sebastian Larsson while Giaccherini and Fabio Borini were each denied by the Man. United woodwork in the closing 20 minutes as the Black Cats came away from Old Trafford with a crucial win.

Gustavo Poyet’s side now has 35 points in 17th place, three points clear of Norwich City that occupies the last relegation position in 18th and need a win from their daunting trip to title chasing Chelsea on Sunday to at least keep the relegation battle on till the final day of the season.

For the Red Devils, it was a 12th defeat in the league this season and all but put paid to lingering hopes of claiming a Europa League spot, which can now only be claimed through wins in their final two games coupled with sixth placed Tottenham Hotspur losing at home to Aston Villa next weekend.

Tottenham on their part fell to a 2-0 defeat at West Ham United to remain on 66 points, six points ahead of Man. United, while West Ham rose to 12th with 40 points and sealed their Premier League status as a result.

West Ham’s fellow Londoners Fulham however got relegated following a 4-1 loss at Stoke City, with Nigerian striker Osaze Odemwingie scoring Stoke’s opener as he pushes for a place in Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi’s World Cup list.

Also relegated is bottom club Cardiff City after a 3-0 loss at Newcastle United, with Nigerian striker Shola Ameobi also opening the scoring there while his French strike partner Loic Remy scored the 1,000th goal of this league season with Newcastle’s second.

In other Premier League matches played today, Aston Villa assured themselves of top flight football next season thanks to a 3-1 win at home to FA Cup finalists Hull City while Rickie Lambert struck in stoppage time to give Southampton a lone goal win at Swansea City.

Later today, third placed Manchester City have the chance to go top of the league on goal difference in their match at fifth placed Everton that needs a win to keep alive slim hopes of finishing in fourth place and qualifying for next season’s UEFA Champions League.

Results
Aston Villa 3 – 1 Hull City
Manchester United 0 – 1 Sunderland
Newcastle United 3 – 0 Cardiff City
Stoke City 4 – 1 Fulham
Swansea City 0 – 1 Southampton
West Ham United 2 – 0 Tottenham Hotspur