'Boro draws throws the title race wide open

Equaliser
By Chris,
April 7 2008

The Premier League title race has been thrown wide open following Manchester United’s 2-2 draw at Middlesbrough. Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney were on target for the Red Devils – but their goals were sandwiched between two efforts from the hosts. The result means that technically, with help from a goal-difference miracle, Chelsea now hold the destiny of the league crown in their own hands.

United are now just three points clear of Chelsea; though our significantly better goal difference means that four wins would almost certainly be enough for Sir Alex Ferguson's men to retain the Championship.

United's performance level dipped at the Riverside and haphazard defending almost handed the home side all three points.

Cristiano Ronaldo took his tally for the season to an astonishing 37 goals as he turned home a Michael Carrick cross after ten minutes; but a rejuvenated Middlesbrough side kept fighting and were level on 35 minutes. Jeremine Aliadire combined with partner Afonso Alves - his flick finding the unmarked Brazilian who floated a cheeky effort passed Edwin Van Der Sar.

Middlesbrough continued to press forward in numbers and, after squandering a hatful of chances, took a deserved lead eleven minutes after the interval with Alves again the hero for Gareth Southgate's side. Wes Brown struggled to clear a George Boateng long-ball and the ball fell to the forward who fired his effort home.

The Reds then suffered a huge blow as Rio Ferdinand hobbled off. With Nemanja Vidic already out, United cannot afford to lose another first-team defender. The club now face a nervous wait as the extent of Rio's injury is examined.

However, there was plenty to cheer on 74 minutes as Wayne Rooney levelled the scores. Substitute Ji-Sung Park squared for the England forward who made no mistake to the relief of the travelling fans.

Full Time - Middlesbrough 2-2 Manchester United
Attendance - 33,952